Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has called on the national government to transfer the responsibility of flood control systems to local government units (LGUs), aligning himself with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s condemnation of corruption and mismanagement in infrastructure projects.
Domagoso cited inefficiencies in national agencies and warned that political interference has severely compromised the delivery of key flood mitigation measures.
He emphasized that local leaders, who are directly accountable to their constituents, should be given full control over flood mitigation efforts in the capital.
Speaking to members of the Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc., Domagoso expressed frustration over the persistent failure of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to maintain functional flood control measures, specifically mentioning the Sunog Apog pumping station in Tondo.
“It’s brand new and unusable. Brand new and ineffective. Brand new and not functioning. You name it,” Domagoso said.
He argued that local officials, who interact with their communities daily, should have the authority to manage flood control infrastructure.
“If you let the mayor run it and it fails, there’s direct responsibility. In three years, if we mess up, we’re done,” Domagoso remarked.
He also added that national politicians often interfere with infrastructure projects, referring to the involvement of congressmen in DPWH projects.
“Tama si Presidente, ‘wag na tayo magbolahan. Alam niya ang congressman pinakikialaman ang DPWH project,” he noted.
The mayor, meanwhile, praised the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for its successful management of 72 pumping stations across Metro Manila, 24 of which are in Manila.
In contrast, he pointed out that many DPWH stations have either been left incomplete or failed to meet quality standards, preventing them from being operational.
As an example, Domagoso mentioned the ongoing issues with the Estero de Abad, Remedios, and Padre Faura pumping stations, all of which remain unfinished.
“Buti pa ‘yung sa MMDA tumatakbo,” he said.
Despite having a P34 billion flood control budget for Metro Manila, DPWH’s systems have failed to provide effective solutions, while the MMDA operates its stations under a much smaller P2 billion annual budget.
“The numbers don’t lie. MMDA delivers, DPWH doesn’t,” Domagoso remarked.
The mayor agreed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s condemnation of corruption and mismanagement in flood control programs.
During the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos vowed to take action against officials and contractors involved in failed or fraudulent projects, something Domagoso said he fully supports. (Diann Calucin)
