Lower House to probe severe flooding in NCR, nearby provinces

Transcript

00:00Once again, heavy flooding, especially in the National Capital Region or NCR,

00:04has caught the attention not only of ordinary citizens but of those in government as well,

00:10particularly lower house solons.

00:12Lawmakers want to answer to the burning question why it happens.

00:16They are demanding an explanation from concerned agencies and what can be done

00:20to finally put an end to a perennial problem.

00:23Melalee Moras has the full details.

00:25The House of Representatives is set to investigate next week the massive flooding

00:33which happened in Metro Manila and nearby provinces brought about by the onslaught

00:37of Super Typhoon Karina and Southwest Monsoon.

00:41According to House Committee on Metro Manila Development Chair Rolando Valeriano,

00:45agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and Metropolitan Manila

00:49Development Authority should explain why the government's flood control systems did not work

00:54during the time when the people needed it the most.

00:57The committee also expects other agencies to report about the relief programs

01:01like the Department of Social Welfare and Development

01:04to discuss the government's long-term plans on disasters.

01:08The hearing is scheduled on July 31.

01:10House Speaker Martin Romualde supports the conduct of the investigation.

01:15Of course, that's part of our oversight functions.

01:18We always have to have accountability for the correct spending of our budget.

01:23So, we'll see if it's effective, efficient, and correct.

01:26Hopefully, if there's a situation where the spending is not correct,

01:32we can't avoid that.

01:35Of course, we have accountability.

01:36Before the disaster hearing, on Monday, the Department of Budget and Management

01:40will turn over the 2025 National Expenditure Program to the House of Representatives

01:46which will serve as the basis for Congress in formulating the proposed national budget for next year.

01:52Romualde said one of the priorities in the 2025 national budget

01:56is the funding for disaster response.

02:22Before we finish our first session here in September, we will finish the budget.

02:31Other congressmen have also assured to work together to pass the national budget

02:35that addresses the needs of the Filipinos.

02:38Melelys Moras from the National TV Network for New and Better Philippines.