By Fernan Angeles
THE proposed P4.5 trillion national budget for calendar year 2021 has outlined higher allocation for flood control projects than that of the Department of Health – and the senators can’t seem find the logic on prioritizing infrastructure over public health.
“Why is that the budget for flood control project under DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) at P150 billion is higher than that of the Department of Health at P131 billion?” Senator Grace Poe asked during the hearing of the Senate finance committee on the proposed 2021 national budget.
Instead of offering an excuse, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado vowed to work with Congress in addressing Poe’s concerns.
“We are guided by the priorities of the government. This will go through a process. We did our best in striking a balance between health and economic concerns, and so we are partnering with Congress in looking into this,” Avisado said.
“We are not saying we are absolute in our calculation in how much will go to each department, and we are willing to work this out with Congress,” Avisado added.
Poe welcomed Avisado’s receptive feedback.
“Environment should not be neglected and there are legitimate flood control projects, but it is just very hard to keep track of them,” Poe said.
The Philippines has recorded 245,143 COVID-19 cases thus far. Of this number, 185,543 recovered while 3,986 died. The number of active cases is at 55,614.