Senator Bam Aquino on Thursday called for a reassessment of the proposed PHP243-billion flood control budget for 2026, saying funds for projects not deemed necessary should be redirected to education and healthcare.

“If we really concentrate and put the money where the important programs are, ano ba talaga ang dapat pagkagastusan natin nang tama (What should we really be spending on properly)?” Aquino said in a news release.

Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said the amount allotted for flood projects would likely be reduced, with hopes that a portion of it can be shifted to fund free education and universal healthcare.

“The PHP243 billion in the 2026 budget for flood control, I’m guessing mababawasan. That will be slashed significantly. I’m hoping some of that will go to education and maybe some of that will go to healthcare,” he said.

Aquino said classrooms, learning equipment, and healthcare coverage should be priorities, citing the 166,000-classroom backlog and the lack of universal access to medical services.

Aquino also filed Senate Resolution No. 28 seeking a review of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ use of the PHP360-billion flood control budget under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, noting that despite PHP1.47 trillion spent on flood projects from 2009 to 2024, many communities still suffer from poor drainage, outdated pumping stations, and inadequate flood risk management. (PNA)