Manila, Oct. 23 -- Senator Francis Escudero said Thursday local government units (LGUs) should have a greater role in identifying infrastructure projects in their areas to ensure that public funds are spent on beneficial programs.

Escudero said this principle should guide the preparation of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and future national budgets, noting that the recent spate of substandard and "ghost" flood control projects underscores the need for meaningful reform in the government's infrastructure planning and budgeting process.

"Sa dami ng mga lumitaw na problema sa mga government infrastructure projects kabilang na ang mga substandard at 'ghost' flood control projects, kailangan talaga na gumawa ng makabuluhan na solu...