SEN. Francis Pangilinan urged the government to immediately release available disaster funds, prepare emergency supplies and crack down on profiteering as El Niño-related agricultural losses in five regions reached an estimated P7 billion.
Pangilinan said farmers in Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Calabarzon, Soccsksargen and Caraga were already feeling the effects of the weather phenomenon.
“The government has funds for disasters. What is needed is correct and corruption-free spending,” he said, warning that authorities must act before the weather phenomenon inflicts further damage on farms, water supplies and livelihoods.
“We should be like Boy Scouts: Always be prepared. Anticipate what lies ahead. Act before the worst effects of Super El Niño are felt,” he added.
During a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) budget hearing, Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon expressed support for a whole-of-government response and identified about P112 billion in funding across agencies’ current-year budgets, including P39 billion in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.
Pangilinan said the funds should translate into concrete assistance for affected communities.
“These funds should translate into water for communities, protection for farms, affordable food for families, and timely assistance for those already losing their livelihoods,” he said.
Pangilinan called on the DBM to clarify how much of the identified funding was available for immediate use, how much had already been committed, what approvals remained necessary and when the money could reach affected communities.
“It is not enough to simply say that funds are available. We need to clarify: How much can be used now, where is the money, who will release it, and when will it reach those who need it?” he said.
Pangilinan asked the DBM and concerned agencies to submit a consolidated report detailing available funds, existing commitments, required approvals, release schedules and any funding gaps requiring action from the president or Congress.
“There are laws in place. Funds have been identified. Government agencies have clear responsibilities. What is needed now is swift decision-making, effective implementation and clear accountability,” he said.
