President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed or removed ₱16.7 billion worth of flood control projects from the ₱6.326 trillion national budget for 2025, which he signed on Monday. The decision has drawn attention as it affects several regions across the country.
What Was Removed?
In his veto message, the President listed the specific provisions excluded from the budget:
- ₱4.58 billion for building and maintaining flood mitigation structures and drainage systems.
- ₱2.88 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of flood facilities in major rivers.
- ₱182.7 million for water supply and rainwater collection systems.
- ₱9 billion for flood mitigation protecting public buildings and facilities under the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps program.
- ₱150 million for basic flood mitigation infrastructure around key public facilities.
Regions Affected Most
The regions impacted the most by these vetoes are:
- Region 3 (Central Luzon): ₱7 billion
- Region 2 (Cagayan Valley): ₱3.2 billion
- Region 5 (Bicol Region): ₱2.73 billion
Other affected areas include the National Capital Region, Region 1 (Ilocos Region), Region 6 (Western Visayas), Region 4A (Calabarzon), Region 4B (Mimaropa), and Region 7 (Central Visayas).
Why Were Projects Removed?
According to Budget Undersecretary Goddes Libiran, the vetoed projects were not part of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), the proposed budget framework prepared by government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). These projects were reviewed and removed because they were deemed:
- Not implementation-ready
- Ambiguous in scope
- Not aligned with the administration’s Build Better More infrastructure priorities
Marcos’ Position on Flood Control
Despite the veto, the President acknowledges the importance of flood control projects, especially in light of recent severe tropical cyclones that caused significant flooding and over 100 deaths. He stated that while existing flood control systems are in place, they are often overwhelmed by the magnitude of natural disasters.
Support from Congress
House appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co expressed support for the President’s decision, emphasizing the need for a budget aligned with the government’s priorities. “We respect the President’s constitutional prerogative and judgment,” Co said.
Focus on Education
While flood control projects were removed, the education sector remains a top priority, with ₱1.055 trillion allocated for the Department of Education and related offices, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving education nationwide.
Conclusion
The removal of ₱16.7 billion in flood control projects from the 2025 budget highlights the administration’s emphasis on aligning spending with readiness and strategic priorities. However, the decision also raises questions about the country’s ability to address flooding challenges in the coming years.
