House appropriations panel tasked to fund Navotas floodgate repairs

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has tasked the committee on appropriations to provide funding for the repair of a damaged floodgate in Navotas City, which local officials believe could have prevented recent floods following a downpour triggered by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.

Romualdez said on Friday that Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon exposed concerns about the current infrastructure’s inadequacy for controlling flooding.

“The recent typhoon exposed critical weaknesses in our infrastructure, and the damaged Navotas floodgate significantly worsened flooding in Metro Manila. Immediate action is essential,” Romualdez said.

“We must immediately allocate the necessary funds to repair and reinforce the gate to withstand future typhoons and protect our communities,” he added, instructing the committee on appropriations chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco believes the floodgate would have prevented flooding in the city and neighboring localities, noting that the city fared better in 2009 when Typhoon Ondoy hit Metro Manila and they only had 24 pumping stations.

But even if the city now has 81 pumping stations, Tiangco said that the damage to the Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate was caused by a barge forcefully passing through the channel, resulting in flooding.

Tiangco said he has been coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on plans to sue the barge owner that damaged the floodgates.

Romualdez said his directive comes after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. inspected the gate, instructing MMDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expedite repairs.

“The President has rightly pointed out the urgent need to fix the Navotas floodgate. We in the House will ensure the necessary funds are available without delay,” Romualdez said.

Typhoon Carina has left the Philippine area of responsibility, but the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said rain is still forecast in Luzon this weekend.