Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Jekki Pascual

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -  Several vehicles were submerged under floodwaters during torrential rains in Metro Manila last Monday. This, as the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) reminded motorists not to drive through floods especially in unfamiliar areas.A video that has gone viral showed a vehicle entering a flooded street in Quezon City only for the driver to realized that the flood was deep and he had difficulty controlling the car. Fortunately, several bystanders helped the driver bring the vehicle to a safer part of the road.Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said that motorists should be extra careful and alert during inclement weather. He urged drivers to refrain from heading to flooded streets especially in unfamiliar areas.“Huwag natin irisk yung mga sasakyan natin kung hindi natin sigurado kung gaano kalalim ang tubig na dadaanan natin,” LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao said.Aside from endangering lives of the driver and passengers, going through floods can also impact the vehicle itself and in some instances, raging waters have removed the car’s plate. Lacanilao said this would be a challenge since vehicles can also be driven if it has authorized plates.AAP offered some additional tips for drivers. AAP President Joe Ferreria said motorists should plan their trip and their route ahead. One should also monitor navigation and traffic apps such as Google Maps so they can avoid heavy traffic and flooded streets.Ferreira also said drivers should not go through flooded streets if the water level has reached the half part of the tire.“Pag lumampas sa kalahati ng gulong mo yung lalim ng tubig, huwag ka tutuloy diyan. Sisirain mo auto mo,” Ferreria said.He added that motorists should also have an emergency bag inside the car. The bag should include items like extra clothes, slippers and read-to-eat food like crackers.The National Auto Club also said that floodwaters can hide potholes, open drainage, and other road hazards, which is why it is important not to attempt to drive through floodsIf the car is already caught in flood and water is rising quickly. He said there is only one thing to do- that is to turn off the engine and if get out of the vehicle.“Patayin mo na yung makina kasi whether ICE engine yan or electric, ang makina kasi humihigop ng hangin para mag mix sa fuel kung ICE engine yan…. Mas malaki sakit ng ulo yan pag inoverhaul mo ang sasakyan mo dahil lumusong ka sa baha,” he added.The group also emphasized on making sure the vehicle is in its best condition before a trip and be careful when driving amid heavy rains because there could be poor visibility.The group added that during heavy rains, drivers should decrease the speed, switch on the low-beam headlights, avoid using headlights, and to stay in your lane.Ferreria said that drivers should be aware of these simple tips already with heavy rains and floods already a norm in the country.

The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) reminded motorists not to drive through floods especially in unfamiliar areas.

The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) reminded motorists not to drive through floods especially in unfamiliar areas.

Flooded street: To enter or not to enter

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Flooded street: To enter or not to enter

Jekki Pascual,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 18, 2026 10:41 PM PHT

Read More:

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road safety

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