Metro Manila flood control project delayed by 2 years

MANILA — The Metro Manila flood control project will be delayed by two years, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“I understand that this particular program is currently being restructured so magkakaroon ng (there will be) a two year extension,” MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes said during the budget hearing in the Senate on Monday.

Senator Joel Villanueva expressed disappointment over the delay and asked the reason for this, but Artes could not explain since the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is the one in charge of flood control.

“Sila gagawa then kapag tapos na, turnover sa MMDA for operation,” Artes said. “Nagco-coordinate lang po samin ang DPWH, nagpaparticipate kami sap pagpa-plano from time to time pero implementation po is DPWH.”

(They will construct and then turnover to the MMDA for operation. DPWH just coordinates with us, we participate in the planning from time to time but the implementation is with DPWH.)

Villanueva told Artes, however, “That is also your turf. Project ‘yan sa jurisdiction ninyo. Siguro it is right to get an answer with DPWH. We will ask that but I think you should also know what’s going on dahil inyo po yan and kayo yung pagtu-turnoveran niyan. I am just disappointed that restructured uli.”

(That is a project under your jurisdiction. It is right to get an answer with DPWH. We will ask but I think you should also know what’s going on because you’re the one whom the project will be turned over to. I am just disappointed that it is restructured again.)