On Wednesday, the Metro Manila Council approved placing the National Capital Region (NCR) under a state of calamity, citing heavy rainfall and flooding triggered by the intensified southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.
The decision came after Metro Manila mayors reached a consensus during a meeting led by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos. San Juan City Mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora proposed the declaration of a state of calamity in the region.
In addition to city mayors, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) head Romando Artes and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano expressed their support for the motion.
At the council meeting, mayors from Caloocan, Pasay, Pateros, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Makati, Navotas, Taguig, Pasig, San Juan, and a representative from Manila agreed to declare Metro Manila under a State of Calamity.
This decision will enable local government units (LGUs) to access additional funds for calamity response and implement a price freeze on basic commodities.
Previously, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had indicated that the declaration of a state of calamity in the nation’s capital rested with the Metro Manila mayors.
