Why does flooding remain a tragic constant across the Philippines despite billions allocated each year for flood-control projects?
That question anchors Season 4, Episode 12 of The Loida Lewis Podcast, where Filipino-American philanthropist Loida Lewis sits down with global tax policy expert Mon Abrea, widely known as “The Philippine Tax Whiz.”
Moving beyond headlines, the episode confronts a reality millions of Filipinos face every rainy season: submerged communities, disrupted livelihoods, and lives at risk while funds meant to prevent disasters show little measurable impact.
Flood-control spending remains one of the largest national budget items, but as Abrea underscores, the problem is not spending but governance.
“Public funds must translate into public protection,” Abrea says. “When communities remain underwater despite massive allocations, it signals a breakdown in transparency, accountability, or both.”
Lewis and Abrea unpack how weak disclosure, fragmented project monitoring, and limited public access to information undermine results.
Transparency, they argue, isn’t merely publishing numbers; it’s enabling citizens to trace decisions, follow the money, and see outcomes.
Taxpayer empowerment is a core theme. Abrea reminds listeners that Filipinos are stakeholders, not bystanders.
“Taxes are not donations,” he says. “They are investments in public safety, dignity, and opportunity.”
Lewis echoes the call, stressing civic courage and ethical leadership, especially for communities bearing the brunt of flooding. For her, leadership is a moral choice.
“Leadership is not about position,” Lewis said. “It’s about responsibility, especially to those who have the least but suffer the most.”
As climate risks intensify and scrutiny of public spending grows, the episode lands at a critical moment: challenging policymakers, business leaders, and citizens to rethink how funds are managed and how leadership is measured.
The takeaway is clear: transparency isn’t optional, and accountability isn’t political; they are fundamental.
Watch or listen now:
YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
Full episode: https://youtu.be/hJg-TYmWImA?si=MgL0RRcdbPhzEXKN
Send questions for Mrs. Loida: askloidalewis@gmail.com