Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso is calling for local government units (LGUs) to take over the operation and maintenance of flood control facilities, saying the current system under national agencies has failed to address flooding effectively.
Speaking before members of the Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc., Domagoso stressed that accountability would be clearer if LGUs were in charge.
“If you give the mayor the authority, you get action and accountability,” he said. “Let us handle it—because we face the people every day. And when we fail, there’s no one else to blame.”
Domagoso cited the Sunog Apog pumping station in Tondo as an example, saying the newly built facility remains non-functional. “It’s brand new and unusable. Brand new and ineffective. Brand new and not functioning. You name it,” he said.
The mayor argued that turning over the operations to LGUs would ensure direct responsibility.
“If you let the mayor run it and it fails, there’s direct responsibility. In three years, if we mess up, we’re done,” he said. “Tama si Presidente, ‘wag na tayo magbolahan. Alam niya ang congressman pinakikialaman ang DPWH project.”
Domagoso also commended the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for operating 72 pumping stations across Metro Manila, including 24 in Manila. He contrasted these with DPWH-constructed stations, which he said are either incomplete or have yet to meet quality standards.
“Buti pa ‘yung sa MMDA tumatakbo,” Domagoso said, also pointing to unfinished projects such as the Estero de Abad, Remedios, and Padre Faura pumping stations.
Domagoso noted that the DPWH has a ₱34 billion flood control budget for Metro Manila, while the MMDA runs its pumping stations with only ₱2 billion annually.
He also backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement in his State of the Nation Address, where the President criticized lapses in flood control programs and vowed to pursue those responsible for failed projects.
