The allocation of funds from flood control to aid could lead to dependency and politics, according to former finance secretary Gary Teves.
He said it would be better if the funds were allocated for children and their development. He said that in the first 2,000 days of a child, attention should be given to vaccinations, feeding programs, and nutrition in schools and communities.
He added that the excessive funding for aid such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations with ₱32 billion and Sustainable Livelihood Program with ₱3 billion is not as effective as compared to education and health care for children.
He also suggested reducing foreign travel expenses and confidential and intelligence funds, and transferring them to more profitable sectors such as tourism and skills development.
