Marcos open to probe of flood control projects

As the country reels from the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon, President Marcos has expressed openness to an investigation into the administration's flood control projects, citing the need to improve existing designs to address the unprecedented effects of climate change.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

"I have no problem with that, but also they have to realize that there are two sides to this," Marcos told reporters in Batangas when asked to react to plans to look into the government's flood control programs.

"Our flood control was really overwhelmed. We have flood control, but it was not able to withstand (the typhoons) because in the entire history of the Philippines, this has not happened before. It is only now that we are facing something like this," he added.

Late last month, Senate President Francis Escudero said he expects an intense scrutiny of the government's flood control programs when the Senate starts its plenary debates on the proposed 2025 national budget next week.

Escudero added that flood control budget would be a "hot topic" when senators tackle the appropriations of agencies like the public works, interior and local government, social welfare and defense departments as several parts of the country were devastated by Kristine.

Marcos said people should understand that the issue is not just about the budget, but also the science of the ongoing phenomenon.

He noted that similar disasters also struck other countries, like Spain and the United States.

"What we will do is we will change our designs, strengthen our infrastructure, flood control, slope protection and our bridges," he added.