Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso lashed out at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for bypassing the local government and building flood control projects without coordination.
In a joint press conference with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Domagoso slammed the agency for the failure of several multi-million-peso pumping stations that remain inoperable.
Addressing DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Domagoso said: “Tumigil na po kayo ng pagpapagawa nang hindi kayo nagko-konsulta sa lokal na pamahalaan, lalo na sa ilog.”
“They can do whatever they wanna do in the local government without even telling, asking permission, explaining the purpose of the project. That’s my problem. Kaya nagsulputan ang multiple pumping station na hindi gumagana,” Domagoso said.
The Mayor specifically cited the Sunog Apog pumping station in Tondo, which he said DPWH has repeatedly tried to turn over to the MMDA, but has been rejected because the system simply doesn’t function.
“Walang kuryente. Hindi tumatakbo. Brand new, pero inutil,” he said. “Tumigil na po kayo ng pagpapagawa nang hindi kayo nagko-konsulta sa lokal na pamahalaan.”
The Mayor said if he would be given five minutes with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., he would report not only the faulty projects but also the interference of lawmakers who allegedly influenced their implementation.
“Nagbigay siya ng pondo, pero ang problema, hindi gumagana. The President was caught in the middle. Binayaran niya ‘yan, inilagay sa GAA, nangutang pa para maayos ang flood control. Tapos baha pa rin,” he said.
Domagoso pointed to at least four DPWH-built pumping stations in Manila—Sunog Apog, Estero de Abad, Padre Faura, and Remedios—that remain non-operational or faulty.
SMC President Ramon S. Ang backed Domagoso’s sentiments, saying the root cause of Metro Manila’s flooding lies in poor planning, misaligned priorities, and neglect of critical infrastructure.
“Langaw lang ang problema, gumagamit kayo ng kanyon,” Ang said, criticizing the approach of building water treatment plants along Manila Bay instead of shutting down known polluting factories.
Ang also condemned the obstruction of natural waterways like the Tullahan River and the Pasig River. “Ginawang eskwelahan, ginawang kalsada, tinakpan ang ilog. Pag bumaha, hukay ulit ng kalsada. ‘Yan ang solusyon?” he said. He urged government to clear illegal structures and remove blockages instead of investing in illogical and costly “water storage” systems beneath roads.
For his part, Domagoso reiterated his call to give LGUs control over the operation and maintenance of flood control infrastructure, saying mayors are directly accountable to their constituents. “If you give the mayor the authority, you get action and accountability,” he said. “And if we mess up, we’re done in three years. Walang bolahan.”
