Science lacking in flood control projectsWorkers of a new subcontractor of a flood control structure in Barangay Sipat in Plaridel, Bulacan, lay cement and steels on September 6, 2025 amidst the downpour of rain. MANILA, Philippines — One clear diagnosis from this year’s corruption scandal is the lack of science in planning and designing flood control projects, harming communities instead of protecting them during typhoons. Congressional hearings on anomalous flood control projects revealed a harsh truth: despite receiving P545 billion over the past three years, these projects were only used as a racketeering scheme. Most existing flood control projects are only capable of handling floods with a 25-year return period, even though recent cyclones battering the country have caused floods with a 100-year return period. The DPWH has scrapped over P250 billion from its proposed 2026 budget earmarked for flood control projects, requesting Congress to reallocate the funds elsewhere.

Source: Philippine Star December 29, 2025 17:31 UTC