Following the recent and widespread flooding that has significantly affected numerous areas in the country, including but not limited to Bulacan, Pampanga, and Cavite, many people have been burdened and disrupted by the adverse effects of the flash floods. The Philippine Senate is pushing for higher penalties for environment offenses following massive flooding that led to economic losses in different parts of the country. Senator Raffy Tulfo is sponsoring a measure that will establish a master plan for flood management, increase penalties for violations of environmental laws, and mandate the creation of an oversight committee to monitor compliance of environmental laws.
Tulfo said a well-structured flood management plan would reduce economic losses and ensure a more sustainable path to development. The senator stressed that because the Philippines is highly susceptible to heavy rainfall and flash floods, deforestation, urbanization, and improper land use would exacerbate the vulnerability by disrupting natural water retention systems.
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.Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva called on the Department of Public Works and Highways officials to explain their flood control programs and urged government officials to address corruption in the administration of dams to solve the flooding problem, particularly in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
