Romualdez orders immediate funding for Navotas floodgate repairs

Speaker Martin Romualdez directed the House Committee on Appropriations on Friday to immediately fund repairs for the Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate in Navotas City, which was damaged last June and worsened flooding in Metro Manila during Super Typhoon ‘Carina.’

“The recent typhoon exposed critical weaknesses in our infrastructure, and the damaged Navotas floodgate significantly worsened flooding in Metro Manila. Immediate action is essential,” Romualdez said.

“We must immediately allocate the necessary funds to repair and reinforce the gate to withstand future typhoons and protect our communities,” he told Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, chair of the House Appropriations panel.

Romualdez issued this directive after inspecting the Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate with Co, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio  Gonzales Jr., Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, Mayor John Rey Tiangco, and other officials.

Upon the request of Rep. Tiangco, Romualdez visited Navotas City on Thursday after conducting relief operations in the cities of Quezon and San Juan.

Earlier in the day, President Marcos inspected the gate and instructed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expedite repairs.

“The President has rightly pointed out the urgent need to fix the Navotas floodgate. We in the House will ensure the necessary funds are available without delay,” Romualdez said.

Rep. Tiangco insisted that the Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate could have prevented severe flooding in Navotas and surrounding areas at the height of Typhoon Carina.

Navotas operates 81 pumping stations, but the gate was damaged by a barge last June, leading to increased flooding. This damage allows seawater to enter communities during high tide, reducing the effectiveness of the pumping stations.

“In 2009, despite having only 24 Bombastik stations, we controlled flooding during Typhoon Ondoy,” Rep. Tiangco noted.

“The current issue is the damaged floodgate, which was designed to prevent seawater from entering during high tide. Without a functioning floodgate, even our 81 pumping stations can’t manage the flooding,” the Navoteño lawmaker added.

Rep. Tiangco disclosed that he is collaborating with the MMDA to pursue legal action against the company responsible for the barge incident.

The MMDA, which operates the floodgates, estimates that full repairs might take until August.

“We’re exploring legal options to hold those accountable for the floodgate damage,” Rep. Tiangco said.

“This incident has caused significant suffering for the affected families, and we are discussing potential cases with the MMDA. The barge’s forced entry, despite warnings, was not accidental,” he added.

Rep. Tiangco said that while the pumping stations are operational, they cannot mitigate flooding without the floodgates blocking seawater.

“Our Bombastik Pumping Stations are working continuously to reduce flooding, but they can’t fully address the issue if the floodgates are compromised,” he explained.

“Repairs to the floodgate have begun, but progress has been slowed by recent typhoons. This situation could have been avoided if the vessel had not forced its way into the floodgate,” Rep. Tiangco pointed out.