Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has threatened to stall the passage of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed 2027 allocation if the agency cannot produce a clear blueprint to tackle recurring inundation in Pampanga.
Pangilinan delivered the ultimatum on Friday during a relief distribution drive alongside Senator Lito Lapid in the flood-stricken municipalities of Santo Tomas and San Luis. Weeks of relentless monsoon rains have left large portions of the province submerged, causing significant disruption and heavy traffic delays along the North Luzon Expressway’s San Simon stretch.
The senator emphasized that DPWH officials will face strict scrutiny regarding their flood mitigation strategy, direct project allocations, and intended outcomes for the province when they appear for Senate budget hearings.
“Alam natin ano ba ang mas mahalagang solusyon sa usapin nung pagbabaha? Kaya next week, may budget hearing na sa Senado. Haharap samin ang DPWH,” Pangilinan said.
He warned that failure to provide concrete solutions would result in holding up the agency’s funding.
“Hihilingin natin ang plano ng DPWH at ilalaban natin yung dagdag na budget at kapag hindi nila sinagot yung ating tanong na anong gagawin natin sa Pampanga, ano ang proyekto ninyo sa flood control, magkano ang budget na ilalaan ninyo—kapag hindi tayo nakuntento, hindi natin ipapasa ang budget nila,” Pangilinan added.
The demand comes amid heightened scrutiny over public infrastructure spending, exacerbated by reports of substandard or non-existent “ghost” projects. Under the proposed 2027 budget, the DPWH is slated to receive ₱644 billion—up from ₱530.9 billion—with roughly ₱107.4 billion ear-marked specifically for flood control management.
While offering words of encouragement to affected residents, Pangilinan stressed the need for strict oversight to ensure public funds yield tangible community protection.
“Narito lang po tayo at wag po kayo mag-alala. Mayroong mga Senador kayong kaagapay at kasama habang humaharap tayo sa mga pagsubok. Ang natutunan ko sa mga krisis, pagsubok, kaya natin lampasan ang anumang krisis basta nagtutulungan po tayo,” he said.
The DPWH, headed by Secretary Vince Dizon, is currently working on a nationwide integrated flood-control master plan aimed at aligning efforts across major river basins and high-risk zones.