Residents evacuate from their flooded homes due to a swollen river caused by heavy rains and induced by Super Typhoon Pepito in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province on November 18, 2024. Floodwaters submerged houses and highways in the northern Philippines on November 18 after water released from a dam following Typhoon Pepito caused a major river to break its banks. John Dimain, AFP

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday said the completion of some flood control projects were delayed due to pending permits and right of way issues. 

During the Senate’s budget hearing for DPWH, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III noted that based on a Commission on Audit (COA) report, there were “slippages in flood-control projects in the billions.”

Senator Grace Poe, the agency’s budget sponsor, said the agency acknowledged the slippages and delays. 

Two flood-control projects get budget hikes, extended deadlines

“All of these proposals for these projects and these right of way complaints, LGU permits so there are a lot of steps for them to even begin to implement the projects,” said Poe. 

“What they are doing now is taking proactive steps to expedite the remaining projects that they have through enhanced coordination with regional and district engineering offices. They have continuous monitoring and collaboration with contractors to ensure project completion within the remaining time frame,” she added. 

The senator said other projects needed vetting. This includes the procurement and engineering study, she said. 

Some problems with contractors are also being addressed, the senator said. 

“The suspension and termination issues are being addressed by engaging with contractors to resolve technical and administrative challenges while blacklisting measures are in place for those failing to comply with contractual obligations,” Poe said. 

“Yun ang hiningi natin sa kanila earlier na ibigay sa atin ang mga listahan ng mga na-suspend and blacklisted na contractors,” she said. 

Floods hit northern Philippines after typhoon forces dam release

Based on the DPWH’s budget proposal for next year, it is seeking some P320.2 billion worth of funding for flood control projects. 

Poe said most of the proposed funds were for localized programs, while some were lodged for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), foreign assisted projects, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. 

“Maraming retail dito because it is a community flood-management projects. The big ticket items really are the foreign-assisted projects as well as the river basin projects. Iilan lang yun,” said Poe. 

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In August this year, the DPWH admitted that the Philippines has no integrated flood control master plan despite the massive funding allocated to flood control over the years. 

Philippines lacks flood control master plan, DPWH admits

DPWH Secretary Manny Bonoan said the 5,500 completed flood control projects that were announced during the State of the Nation Address were just immediate relief projects that began in the previous administration and were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

These projects are not part of an integrated master plan, he said. 

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered the creation of a holistic and integrated flood management program, including water impounding facilities.  

DRONE VIDEO: Severe flooding caused by Pepito