Press Release
August 15, 2007

REVILLA TO MMDA, DPWH: FIX FLOODING IN NCR

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. denounced the apparent failure of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to anticipate the usual flooding in the National Capital Region (NCR) every rainy season.

"Its just barely a week after storms Chedeng and Dodong brought flash floods to the National Capital Region and other areas, yet concerned agencies did not foresee it would repeat," said Revilla, chairman of the Senate Committee of Public Works.

The senator stressed that MMDA should have expected the hassles of floods on Metro Manila motorists and commuters and made necessary measures to address it.

Declogging and desilting of drainage systems as well as continuous dredging of open waterways in the metropolis are among the functions of the MMDA.

Based on news reports, floods hit parts of Metro Manila, snarling traffic and stranding commuters.

Revilla also urged the leadership of DPWH to order a thorough declogging of major drainage facilities nationwide to suppress severe flooding brought by the series of typhoon.

The lawmaker pointed out that design, construction and maintenance of major flood control systems is among the mandate of the DPWH in accordance with the national development objectives of the government.

"Flash floods occur in various parts of the country everytime there is a typhoon. A systematic declogging of major drainage facilities will prevent, if not, reduce the level of floods that cause casualty and damage to properties," Revilla explained.

He also appealed to the public to exercise environmental discipline by refraining from throwing garbage in canals and esteros. "Garbage blocks the pumping stations and it eventually goes back to the residents along with the flood," Revilla added.

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