Teodoro pushes budget transparency bill to improve flood response

MANILA — Marikina Representative Marcelino Teodoro has called on fellow lawmakers to pass a bill mandating transparency in the budget-making process, framing it as a critical tool for combating the country's recurring flood problems.

In his statement Wednesday, Teodoro argued that the measure would enable better scrutiny of how infrastructure projects are implemented, potentially preventing the misallocation of resources that has historically contributed to inadequate flood mitigation efforts.

The transparency initiative aims to create stronger accountability mechanisms within the budgeting process, allowing legislators and the public to track government spending on critical infrastructure projects. Teodoro contends that enhanced oversight could deter wasteful spending and ensure funds intended for flood prevention and management actually reach their intended purposes.

The push comes as the Philippines continues to grapple with severe flooding during monsoon seasons, with many experts pointing to inadequate maintenance and implementation of drainage and river management projects as contributing factors. Teodoro's proposal seeks to address these challenges through institutional reforms rather than increased funding alone.