Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso echoed President Marcos’ observation that corruption and negligence in flood control programs were the main reasons for the sudden and widespread flooding in the metropolis.
At the same time, Domagoso broached the idea of the city government taking over the operations and maintenance of flood control infrastructures in the city as part of the solution.
“Let us handle it. By granting the mayor the necessary authority, you will ensureboth action and accountability,” Domagoso said to leaders of the Association of Philippine Journalists–Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc. during a courtesy call at Manila City Hall last Tuesday.
“You see, we face the people every day. And when we fail, there’s no one else toblame. In three years, if we mess up, we’re done,” said Domagoso, citing the failure of national agencies and political interference in projects meant to mitigate flooding in the metropolis.
Domagoso blamed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the persistent flooding problem in the National Capital Region, particularly the so-called Sunog Apog pumping station in Tondo, Manila.
“It’s brand new and unusable. Brand new and ineffective. Brand new and not functioning. You name it,” Domagoso said, adding that the faulty construction of the facility has rendered it incapable of serving flood-prone communities.
“President Marcos was right in his State of the Nation Address. Let’s not be naive.He knows the congressman who interferes with the DPWH project,” the mayor told the reporters.
Domagoso also praised the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for its effective operation of 72 pumping stations across Metro Manila, including 24 in Manila.
He said that unlike MMDA-managed facilities, DPWH-constructed stations have either remained incomplete or failed quality checks, which is why they have yet to be turned over for use.
Domagoso cited the existing problems with the Estero de Abad, Remedios, and Padre Faura pumping stations, which remained unfinished.
The DPWH has a ₱34-billion flood control budget for the NCR, while MMDA maintains its pumping stations under a ₱2 billion annual budget—yet the latter delivers working systems, Domagoso noted.
