Tulfo Urges National Oversight on Flood Control, Rejects Political Interference

Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

In a bold stance, Senator Raffy Tulfo has called for a comprehensive investigation and national oversight of flood control projects in the Philippines, criticising the current political involvement. Speaking in Quezon City, Tulfo emphasised that flood management should be exclusively handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), not by politicians.

This statement comes as the 20th Congress prepares to convene, sparking renewed debates over the allocation of disaster management funds. Tulfo, a member of the majority bloc, asserts that political meddling in flood control must cease. He argued that senators and congressmen should not influence these critical projects, suggesting instead that any available "pork barrel" funds be redirected to the DPWH.

The senator also revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had temporarily halted numerous flood control initiatives due to identified issues within these projects. He noted that the President's decision was based on recommendations from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and shared his support for this move.

Tulfo criticised past projects labelled as flood control, highlighting that many simply involved river cleaning rather than substantive infrastructure improvements. He expressed concern that significant funds, some worth hundreds of millions of baht, have been misallocated, ultimately finding their way into the pockets of politicians.

During budget deliberations, Tulfo vowed to oppose any attempts at budget insertions and reasserted the need to prevent politicians from handling flood control budgets, which he claims often result in misappropriation. He is adamant that flood management should be transparent and managed at a national level to avoid past pitfalls.

His comments were made during a visit to Barangay Tatalon, where he delivered aid to over 4,000 residents affected by recent typhoons. Tulfo provided hot meals and rice, showcasing his commitment to immediate community support while advocating for long-term governance reforms.

Tulfo's focus on flood control comes amidst pressing concerns in the Philippines over effective disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. As climate change increases the frequency of severe weather, ensuring robust and unbiased management of flood relief projects has become a critical national priority.

His calls for reform resonate with many who believe that localised political involvement in flood management has hampered genuine progress. By emphasising the role of the DPWH and advocating for clear-cut procedures, Tulfo aims to streamline efforts, reduce corruption, and enhance the country's disaster response capabilities.

The broader implications of Tulfo's position could influence upcoming legislative discussions, shifting the focus toward national responsibility and integrity in managing environmental challenges. As the government assesses future flood control strategies, Tulfo’s insistence on transparency and professionalism could lead to meaningful policy changes, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

Through his actions and statements, Tulfo seeks to galvanise support for a more accountable governance model, potentially reshaping how the Philippines handles one of its most pressing infrastructural challenges.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-07-23