Oriental Mindoro First District Rep. Arnan Panaligan has explained about his district’s budget procedures on flood control projects, saying he has limited authority over project selection and implementation under the current government funding system.

In a recent interview, Panaligan clarified that flood control projects are identified and prioritized by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) before reaching Congress through the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“Nanggagaling sa Executive Department, sila-submit yan ng Executive Department para talakayan ng Kongreso,” Panaligan said, explaining the funding process. “At sa NEP ay nakalagay na ron, naka-itemize na ang mga flood control projects.”

Panaligan clarified that lawmakers do not propose these infrastructure projects directly.

“Hindi tayo ang nag-propose noon pero nandun yan sa NEP,” he said.

According to Panaligan, the DPWH maintains exclusive authority over project implementation.

“Ang exclusive authority, exclusive na teritoryo ng DPWH ang paggawa ng design, paggawa ng plano, pag-bid, pag-award ng kontrata at pagbabayad ng contractor,” he explained.

Cong. Panaligan revealed he had attempted to modify project locations in the past but was told changes were not permitted.

“Nag-attempt, nag-propose na baguhin, ilipat sa ibang bayan na binabaha pero ang sabi ay hindi pwede naming baguhin na yan kasi identified na yan ng DPWH,” he said.

Panaligan acknowledged that some recently completed flood control projects in his district have sustained damage, prompting him to write to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

“May mga nasira na flood control projects na bagong gawa,” he said, requesting a reassessment of project programming and structural integrity.

“Kaya nga ako sumulat kay Sec. Bonoan at tinawagan ko ng atensyon ang DPWH,” he said, referring to his letter calling for adherence to rigid structural designs and standards to prevent waste of public funds.

The congressman stressed that his role in the budget process is limited to deliberation rather than project selection.

“Parang Congress ang nag-finance dyan pero reality, ang actual practice na nangyayari ay ang listing, identification and prioritization ng flood control projects ay nanggagaling sa DPWH,” he said.

When asked about his interaction with contractors, Panaligan maintained strict boundaries.

“Hindi natin nakakausap ang mga contractor na iyon at kung meron akong reklamo sa proyekto ay sa DPWH ko pinapadala ang sulat,” he said. “Ever since I never deal with contractors.”

Panaligan noted that Oriental Mindoro received considerable flood control funding for the first time during the 2023-2025 period.

“Before walang ganyang malaking flood control projects sa Oriental Mindoro,” he said, explaining why the DPWH allocated substantial projects to the flood-prone province.

“Nakapasalamat kami, naglagay sila,” he said. “Yung nga naman may mga nasira, may mga hindi tama. So ayusin nila yan.”

Panaligan also said he distinguishes between local projects, where lawmakers have inputs, and national infrastructure projects controlled by national agencies.

For local projects like health centers and covered courts, “ito kami may say,” but for national projects including flood control, “sila (DPWH) nag-confirm kung saan at kung magkano.”

The congressman indicated he is prepared to explain the funding process further if needed.

“I can explain naman before the media, I can explain before the House itself or the appropriate committee,” he said.