MANILA, Philippines — Following massive flooding that burdened many people in several areas of the country, Sen. Raffy Tulfo is pushing for a measure that will establish a master plan for flood management and increase penalties for violations of environmental laws.
“A well-structured flood management plan would aid in reducing economic losses and ensuring a more sustainable path to development,” Tulfo said in his explanatory note to Senate Bill 2393.
“The proposed measure aims to institutionalize an
adequate flood management Masterplan and an Inter-Agency Task Force for Flood Management in order to protect human lives and their livelihoods and shield the economy and the environment from catastrophic impacts of floods,” he added.
The senator noted that the measure would also mandate the creation of an oversight committee to monitor the compliance of environmental laws.
Being situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire and along the typhoon belt, the Philippines is highly susceptible to typhoons and heavy rainfall, according to Tulfo.
“Its geographical location exposes it to the direct impact of typhoons, resulting in massive rainfall and flash floods. Moreover, deforestation, urbanization and improper land use exacerbate this vulnerability by disrupting natural water retention systems,” he said.
“A flood management plan would help mitigate the adverse effects of these geographical vulnerabilities. Floods in the Philippines have led to the loss of thousands of lives and widespread displacement of communities. Floodwaters not only cause immediate casualties, but also damage vital infrastructure, agriculture and industries,” he added.
Tulfo stressed that massive flooding also disrupted livelihoods that further exacerbate poverty and hinder the country’s economic growth.
Several senators have expressed dismay over the massive floods in many parts of the country after two consecutive typhoons in the last few weeks despite having about a P3-trillion budget for flood control and management programs.
During the recent public hearing of the Senate committee on public works, senators lamented the bad effects of the massive flooding in areas, most of which remain submerged.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva lamented that the never-ending feasibility studies made do not solve the problems of flooding in his home province of Bulacan.
“I don’t know if our kababayans will still believe us. And if I will not be able to help them in Bulacan, I wish I had never been a senator. All we have is pure feasibility studies!” Villanueva said.
He called on Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials to explain the agency’s flood control programs during a public hearing conducted by the Senate committee on public works on several measures concerning flood protection and alleviation.
Villanueva said the DPWH’s flood control projects totaled P188 billion this year, which translated to a P703-million budget per day.
Tulfo urged government officials to look into alleged corruption in the administration of dams amid persistent flooding problems in the country.
He pointed out the importance of immediately solving the problem of floods, particularly in Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Bulacan, Pampanga and Cavite.