Senate President Francis Escudero has expressed confusion over Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent criticism of the Marcos administration’s lack of a comprehensive flood control master plan. Escudero pointed out that the issue of flooding has been a long-standing problem, and the previous administration, led by Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, did not develop such a strategy during his six-year term.
“What is perplexing is her questioning the absence of a flood master plan two years into the administration of PBBM (President Marcos) after the previous administration had six years to develop one, but was unable to do so,” Escudero remarked.
The Senate President’s comments come after Duterte’s recent speech to the Muslim community, where she voiced concerns about the government’s preparedness for natural disasters, specifically the lack of flood control measures. Duterte highlighted that despite the Philippines’ vulnerability to typhoons, there is no comprehensive plan in place.
“Ang Pilipinas, bilang isang kapuluang dinadayo ng bagyo taun-taon, may komprehensibong plano dapat at mga matatag na imprastruktura laban sa kalamidad. Subalit ang Pilipinas ngayon ay may gobyernong umaamin na wala man lang tayong flood-control master plan,” Duterte stated.
Escudero acknowledged that Duterte, as the Vice President, has the right to call attention to societal issues but urged her to use her position to propose or implement tangible solutions. “Imbes na magturuan at magsisihan, mas mainam na magtulungan na lang tayo para tugunan ang mga problema ng ating bansa at mga kababayan,” he added.
The Vice President’s remarks have sparked criticism from other lawmakers, who suggested that she should focus on addressing her responsibilities and the issues within her office, including questions about the OVP’s confidential funds in 2022.