2026 budget cut sought if private sector helps to solve Metro Manila flooding

Metro Manila, Philippines - Sen. Ping Lacson said he will move to slash funding for Metro Manila’s flood control plan in the 2026 budget bill if the private sector will be allowed to contribute in addressing flooding woes “at no cost” to the government.

Lacson bared his plan on Saturday, Aug. 9, after San Miguel Corp. chairperson and CEO Ramon Ang volunteered to help solve the flooding problem in Metro Manila during a meeting with mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). 

In an interview with DWIZ, the veteran lawmaker also urged Malacañang to make a clarion call to other tycoons and billionaires to pool resources to deal with the perennial problem in the National Capital Region. 

Once the private sector is given the authority and carries out such an endeavor, Lacson said he will move to reduce next year’s budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the MMDA for flood control management during the period of individual amendments.

“Pag nag-on board ang mga malalaking negosyante para tumulong, ako mismo mag move para [bawasan] sa 2026 GAA ang katumbas ng gagastusin ng private sector. Ergo, makakatipid at kabawasan ‘yun sa uutangin natin, at bawas din yun sa nanakawin ng mga kawatan,” Lacson said in a reply on his X post.

[Translation: If big businessmen were to go onboard to help, I will personally move to cut in the 2026 General Appropriations Act the same amount of funding the private sector will spend. Ergo, the government will save as our possible debt will be reduced, and there will be less funds to be pocketed by thieves.]

Lacson said his idea was also based on his experience as the presidential assistant for rehabilitation and recovery in 2013, when he coordinated efforts of both public and private sectors to rebuild areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a corruption crackdown in the government’s flood-control projects after many areas in the country, including Metro Manila, were submerged in floods yet again due to the effects of successive storms and the southwest monsoon. 

In his radio interview, Lacson also said he is preparing a privilege speech to expose alleged defective and substandard projects, as well as “ghost” ones.