Jamaine Punzalan

Meralco chairman Manny V. Pangilinan at the Giga Summit in Makati City on September 11, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

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Giga Summit

Andrea Taguines

ABS-CBN News

<div><iframe width="1128" height="635" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dztri8muIbY" title="Dozens of motorists stranded, vehicles stalled due to floods on NLEX | ANC" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>MANILA — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. Chairman Manny Pangilinan on Monday assured the public that the company was working to address the flooding issues in several parts of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of MPTC. But speaking to reporters, Pangilinan noted that there were various reasons behind the flooding and that there was no “easy solution” for it. That’s why he said cooperation with the government is key. “We’re tollways operators. We build tollways. We’re not in the flood control part of it no? Of course, it becomes our problem so we need the cooperation of the LGUs (local government units), we need the cooperation of national government to solve the flooding issues in areas where NLEX traverses,” he said at the sidelines of a Meralco press briefing in Pasig. Some motorists were stranded for hours along NLEX last July 21 after monsoon rains caused massive flooding in the Balintawak Cloverleaf, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan portions of the toll road. SHOW CAUSE ORDER The Department of Transportation recently issued a show cause order for NLEX Corp. to explain the incident and why it should not face administrative sanctions. The DOTr said the Toll Regulatory Board could even order NLEX Corp. to grant a toll holiday on the affected segments of the expressway, noting that toll operators were already instructed to prepare for the rainy season as early as May. “This most recent incident shows inadequate preparation in implementing preventive measures and protocols for handling flood incidents along the tollway system,” the document stated. “This Office finds the severe flooding incident in Balintawak resulting to numerous motorists being stranded for a long period of time, quite alarming. The recurrence of this specific type of incident demonstrates a systemic failure in improving your tollway monitoring function,” it added. NLEX STRENGTHENING FLOOD CONTROL EFFORTS In a statement released over the weekend, NLEX Corp. insisted that it continually implements proactive risk-mitigation efforts to ensure the safety and mobility of motorists even in unfavorable weather conditions. “These include the regular cleaning of drainage systems and culverts, roadside clearing, constant monitoring of river water levels, bridge inspections and mitigation works, ensuring the availability and readiness of water trucks and other dewatering equipment, and organizing an inter-agency flood mitigation forum to strengthen the preparedness of host and neighboring communities in maintaining clear waterways,” it said. But despite its efforts, it said “the unprecedented rainfall brought by the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), coupled with the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/7/21/la-mesa-dam-nears-spilling-level-ipo-dam-releases-water-1025">overflow of La Mesa Dam</a>,” still caused flooding in several segments of NLEX. NLEX Corp. said it was ramping up its multi-layered flood control defense. “We are also working with relevant authorities to explore possible long-term solutions, including our offer to upgrade bridges, adopt and rehabilitate rivers and creeks that traverse NLEX,” said NLEX Corporation Officer-In-Charge and MPTC Chief Finance Officer Luis Reñon. The tollway company added that it had removed garbage accumulated from overflowing rivers and creeks. “Drainage systems were rapidly cleared, and inspections of rivers and creeks used as outfalls for water from expressway pumping stations were carried out to ensure proper flow and function. Road patching works are also underway along the expressways to ensure the safety of our motorists. Permanent pavement repairs will be conducted once weather conditions become favorable,” it said. “To further support these efforts, vacuum trucks have been deployed for canal declogging and placed on standby in key locations, such as Balintawak, Paso de Blas, and Tulaoc, to help reduce water accumulation,” it added.

Metro Pacific Tollways Chairman Manny Pangilinan said the company was working to address the flooding issues in several parts of NLEX.

Metro Pacific Tollways Chairman Manny Pangilinan said the company was working to address the flooding issues in several parts of NLEX.

MPTC says gov’t help needed to address NLEX flooding issues

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MPTC says gov’t help needed to address NLEX flooding issues

Andrea Taguines,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 29, 2025 10:19 AM PHT

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