Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has called for the transfer of operations and maintenance of flood control infrastructure to local government units (LGUs), citing the failure of national agencies and political interference in projects meant to mitigate flooding in the capital.
“If you give the mayor the authority, you get action and accountability,” Domagoso said before members of the Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc.
“Let us handle it—because we face the people every day. And when we fail, there’s no one else to blame,” he said.
Domagoso lamented the continued dysfunction of flood control systems under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly 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,” he said, noting that the faulty construction has rendered the station incapable of serving flood-prone communities.
The Mayor said that the national government should allow LGUs to operate such infrastructure, saying local officials are more accountable to the people they serve.
“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 praised the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for its effective operation of 72 pumping stations across Metro Manila, including 24 in the City of Manila.
He said that unlike MMDA-managed facilities, DPWH-constructed stations have either remained incomplete or failed quality checks, which is why they have yet to be turned over for use.
As an example, Domagoso cited the ongoing problems with the Estero de Abad, Remedios, and Padre Faura pumping stations, which remain unfinished.
“Buti pa ‘yung sa MMDA tumatakbo,” he said.
The DPWH has a ₱34 billion flood control budget for the National Capital Region, while MMDA maintains its pumping stations under a ₱2 billion annual budget—yet the latter delivers working systems, Domagoso noted.
The Mayor also said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was right to criticize corruption and negligence in flood control programs during his State of the Nation Address, where the Chief Executive vowed to go after officials and contractors responsible for failed or ghost projects.
