‘Local execs bypassed on flood control planning’

MANILA, Philippines — Albay Gov. Noel Rosal yesterday confirmed statements by other local chief executives that they were bypassed in the planning and implementation of flood control projects in their jurisdictions.

In an interview with “Storycon” on One News, Rosal said that under the law, all programs and projects must emanate from the development plan of local government units (LGUs).

“In this case, we were merely notified by the DPWH that a project has already been released to us,” Rosal said, referring to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“Many mayors and former mayors are not even aware of these projects,” he said, citing the case in his province.

Albay is among provinces with the highest number of flood control projects, according to President Marcos.

Rosal confirmed Marcos’ statement, but he said these projects were either identified by the district offices of the DPWH or inserted during congressional deliberations.

He said mayors and governors often do not have control over the identification of the projects, even as the rules require that proposed projects must be based on those submitted by LGUs to the Regional Development Council.

“We should remove (the practice) of adding projects by Congress… It should be centered on local governments,” Rosal said. “Let us follow the law. The projects should come from the local government.”