Isko Moreno: P14-B Manila flood control projects lack permits

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno presents the 305 notices issued for flood-control projects in Manila that have unpaid contractor’s taxes in a press conference on September 4, 2025. Photo from the Manila Public Information Office/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso revealed that flood control projects worth over P14 billion from 2022 to 2025 were implemented in the city without securing the necessary permits.

In a press conference last August, Moreno lamented the persistent flooding in the city despite the large allocation for flood mitigation structures, noting that many of the projects have already been completed.

“All of these projects have no permits in the city. Yes, we are investigating them, and they are also being reviewed by the Office of the President,” Moreno said in Filipino.

“Flood control projects in Manila amounting to P14 billion have been funded, yet the people of Manila—students, workers, business owners, and commuters—continue to suffer from flooding,” he added.

READ: Isko Moreno: P247-M tax left unpaid in 305 Manila flood projects

The mayor criticized the projects, saying he did not need to be an engineer to see that they were ineffective, as they failed to reduce widespread flooding in Manila.

Moreno then detailed the budget allocations for flood control projects in each city district from 2022 to 2025: over P3.4 billion in District I; over P2.05 billion in District II; over P4.2 billion in District III; over P1.3 billion in District IV; over P1.16 billion in District V; and over P2 billion in District VI.

He noted that the data may be incomplete, as the local government of Manila obtained the figures from the Sumbong sa Pangulo (Report to the President) website, which provides a list of flood control projects nationwide.

The website also allows the public to submit reports and comments on flood mitigation structures in their communities.

READ: Marcos bares 15 contractors bag P100-B flood control deals: ‘Disturbing’

Meanwhile, Moreno said that based on new data, there are 112 ongoing projects in the city with no permits, regulatory fees, or contractors’ taxes.

He stressed that contractors are liable and emphasized that the local government of Manila will hold them accountable.

“There are a little over a hundred contractors handling infrastructure projects from the national government. Of course, we’ll go after them… unless they comply with the Local Government Code, the National Building Code, and other ordinances and laws of the City of Manila,” he said in Filipino.

Moreno added that while many contractors have previously evaded their obligations, “they should learn their lesson very well.”

He also noted that contractors are welcome in Manila, provided they fulfill their responsibilities.

In a separate press briefing, Moreno revealed that 305 flood control projects in the city have unpaid contractors’ taxes totaling P247 million. He said that “a little over a hundred” contractors are responsible for the unpaid taxes covering the period 2022 to 2025.

He specifically cited St. Timothy Construction Corporation, owned by contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, as one of those with outstanding tax obligations. Discaya has previously been linked to controversies involving alleged corruption and kickbacks in flood control projects. /mcm