Marikina LGU studying complaint vs. Bayani Fernando’s firm

The Marikina City government is considering filing a complaint against the firm of Marikina Representative Bayani Fernando due to a reclamation project along Marikina River, which Mayor Marcy Teodoro said contributed to the widespread flooding in the city during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, Teodoro said Fernando’s BF Corporation will not be spared from legal liability.

“Inaasahan ko ang hindi pagkakaintindihan sa magkabilang panig pero dapat manaig kung ano ‘yong kailangan ng tao at ano ang dapat gawin para mapangalagaan natin ‘yong kaligtasan ng mga tiga-Marikina,” he said.

Teodoro also wrote to the Department Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fix the alignment along Marikina River as it is part of the city’s flood plain.

“Nagbigay din kami ng letter of objection sa DPWH para doon sa alignment kung saan susundin ‘yong existing, kasalukuyang lapad. Sinabi namin hindi puwedeng ganoon ang lapad kundi dapat mas malapad,” he said.

GMA News reached out to the DPWH but it has yet to respond as of posting time.

Meanwhile, Fernando declined from issuing a statement on the matter.

Earlier, Teodoro said the private reclamation project in Marikina River contributed to the massive flooding in the city.

He said the project upriver was linked to Fernando.

Teodoro said the city government has been against the project ever since and it was not permitted.

A large part of Marikina became flooded last week after the Marikina River overflowed due to strong overnight rains brought by Ulysses. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News