The Senate hearing that will focus on extracting the root cause of the recent extensive flooding experienced in Luzon due to the wrath of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon began today, August 1.

The Senate Committee on Public Works led by its Chair, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., invited more than ten government agencies and different organizations for the said committee hearing.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), who holds the largest funding for flood control programs with a P244-B budget for 2024, leads the list of invitees.

Apart from DPWH, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Metropolitan Waterworks & Sewerage System Regulatory Office, and Climate Change Commission were also invited.

National Power Corporation, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines Secretariat, UP Resilience Institute, and UP Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation Program also joined the hearing.

In Revilla's opening statement, he mentioned that several areas in Central Luzon are still affected by the floodings.

"Totoo man na mas mabilis ang paghupa ng baha ngayon, hindi pa rin tama na dito mapunta ang usapan. Kasi hindi na dapat pinag-uusapan ang paghupa, dapat ang pinag-uusapan ‘yung hindi na magbabaha," Revilla said.

Aside from improper waste management and malfunctioning pumping stations, another reason mentioned in the hearing is the reclamation projects in the country.

"Ngayong mayroon ng reclamation na ongoing, ano ba ang mitigations natin para 'wag silang mag contribure ng pagbaha?" Revilla asked in his opening statement.