The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) addressed Senator Cynthia Villar's recent remarks regarding the flooding in Las Piñas City.
Villar claimed that MMDA's pumping station between Las Piñas and Parañaque River might be causing the worsening floods due to improper waste management instead of effectively pumping water out of the river.
"Kinukwestyon ko 'yang idea ng pumping station kasi marami na ring nagsasabi sa akin na asa Metro Manila, ang problem ay 'yung pumping station niyo, imbis na i-pump ang water out of the river, ang nakukuha ay basura," said the Senator during a Senate hearing on Wednesday.
However, MMDA Acting Chairperson Don Artes clarified that there is no MMDA-operated pumping station in the mentioned area. He added that there is a booster pump under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Artes further stated that their 71 pumping stations are functioning well and play a vital role in preventing flooding in Metro Manila.
Removing these stations, as suggested by Senator Villar, would lead to severe inundation of the Metro.
"Lulubog po ang Metro Manila 'pag inalis po natin lahat ng pumping stations," he emphasized.
Both MMDA and DPWH earlier faced Senate inquiries, as concerns grow over ongoing flood issues not only in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country.
Controversial reclamation projects in Manila Bay, believed to contribute to the floods in the National Capital Region, were also discussed.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has recently said that all ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay have been suspended amidst pending review, but except for one project.
