MMDA seeks P2.5B budget for flood control projects in 2026

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is proposing P2.59 billion for the Metro Manila flood control program in 2026.

The MMDA explained at the House plenary on Thursday that the budget will be used for the improvement of drainages and the maintenance of the metro's waterways.

“This P2.59 billion, which is a 33% decrease from the 2025 budget, is for the maintenance of the [Metro Manila] waterways and our pumping stations, as well as improvement of drainage systems in barangays in different cities in Metro Manila,” said MMDA budget sponsor Makati Rep. Monique Lagdameo.

The said amount is almost half of MMDA's total proposed budget for 2026 which is P5.88 billion.

“The MMDA’s task here is the repair and widening of the drainage system, as well as silting of waterways. Our drainage systems actually have small pipes, and with the current rainfall volume we have been experiencing, we need bigger drainage pipes to prepare for the heavy rainfall, on top of silting of waterways,” Lagdameo pointed out.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co, who quizzed Lagdameo at the plenary, however, said that the public must be vigilant on flood control projects even if they are under the MMDA amid the raging controversy on such projects, particularly in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The flood control projects controversy has already prompted the House to realign the P255 billion flood control project allocation under DPWH to other various agencies, with P60 billion going to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation subsidy and P46 billion going to flagship aid programs, namely Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.

“While we have removed the P255 billion, we also have to also scrutinize the remaining ones. There are still possible sources of corruption. Corruption is not unique to DPWH,” Co said.

As such, Co asked for the lists of top contractors for MMDA flood control projects.

MMDA vowed to submit the list of such contractors to Co’s office by next week. —VAL, GMA Integrated News