The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) debunked circulating claims that the agency had a budget of P787.6 billion for flood control over the past two years.
“I just like to correct the post circulating online that MMDA has had a P787.6B budget for flood control for the past two years, in total. That’s fake news, we don’t have that much budget for flood control,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said in a Palace briefing.
“In fact, for 2023, we only have a P1.8 billion budget and P2.2 billion for 2024 – that includes the P400 million for operations and maintenance of 71 pumping stations,” he added.
The MMDA official highlighted that the agency’s total budget over its 49-year history may not even reach P87 billion, refuting the viral post’s claims.
Addressing recent flooding from Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon, Artes noted that the typhoon brought 471mm of rain in 24 hours, surpassing the 455mm recorded during Typhoon Ondoy.
Despite the heavy rainfall, floodwaters receded quickly due to the pumping stations’ capacity of 15 to 20 mm per hour, although the typhoon brought 74mm of rain per hour.
In Valenzuela, simultaneous releases from the Ipo and Angat dams during high tide prevented efficient water pumping. Once the tide receded, Artes said that MMDA managed to pump out the floodwater.
According to Artes, MMDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are considering various measures, including small and large impounding projects and the potential installation of interceptors to divert upstream water directly to the Pacific Ocean or Manila Bay.
The MMDA is also collaborating with the DPWH on a drainage master plan for Metro Manila, approved for funding by the World Bank. This comprehensive plan aims to update the outdated drainage system and to address current climate change impacts and rising sea levels.
Artes also provided an update on the ongoing clean-up drive in Metro Manila, highlighting the significant amount of garbage collected by the MMDA’s pumping stations during Typhoon Carina.
