Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s flood management framework, proposing that Metro Manila’s flood mitigation be centralized under the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and that regional efforts be structured around major river basins.
Pangilinan stressed the necessity of an integrated national policy driven by a single master plan with explicit oversight to prevent piecemeal, disconnected infrastructure projects.
“Walang kinikilalang political boundary ang tubig. Kung tingi-tingi ang plano, tingi-tingi rin ang solusyon. Ang nangyayari, tumatagos lang ang baha sa mga kalapit-bayan?” he noted in a statement.
Under the proposed strategy, the MMDA would oversee, plan, and execute flood mitigation within the capital region, compelling projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units, and private concessionaires to align with a unified blueprint.
For areas outside the capital, Pangilinan advocated that DPWH projects shift away from political borders—such as districts, cities, or provinces—and focus instead on full river systems. He pointed to key regions including the Pampanga, Agno, Cagayan, Bicol, Agusan, and Mindanao river basins. Highlighting recent severe flooding in Central Luzon, he explained that effective management of the Pampanga River Basin requires managing interconnected waterways spanning Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Tarlac.
To ensure accountability, the lawmaker recommended establishing an open-access public database outlining project budgets, contractors, technical specifications, timelines, and master plan alignments.
He further urged that project selections rely on scientific data from Project NOAH, hazard maps, and hydrological studies, backed by independent audits to measure actual flood reduction impact.
Pangilinan cited similar structural recommendations previously supported by international institutions and state agencies, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
“Kailangan nang i-overhaul ang kasalukuyang flood-control system ng bansa. Palitan ng isang master plan na may isang chain of accountability na transparent sa lahat at measurable ang results para sa mga river basin at metropolitan area,” Pangilinan emphasized.