Commuters, motorists appeal for solutions amid MacArthur Highway flooding

Commuters and motorists had to endure the traffic along MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City that was worsened by the flood following a heavy downpour on Thursday evening. 

According to Jamie Santos’ report in “Saksi”, motorists had no choice but to wade through the floodwaters just to reach their destination. 

“Mahirap kasi yung mga bagong sasakyan ngayon mahirap ilusong sa baha. Sasakit ulo mo kasi ‘yung maintenance nito,” said motorcycle rider Frederick Mampo. 

(It's difficult because it’s risky to submerge new vehicle models now in floodwaters. It will give you a headache because of the cost of maintenance.) 

While others are brave enough to hit the flooded roads, some chose to wait for the flood to subside. 

“Ayokong isugal…Mas okay na yung safe ako kaysa isugal ko yung motor at sarili ko. Ayun yung dapat nilang ayusin, yung drainage,” another motorcycle rider said. 

(I don't want to risk it... It's better to be safe than to risk my motorcycle and myself. That's what they should fix, the drainage.) 

Aside from the flood, the ongoing road repairs did not improve the traffic situation. 

Hence, several commuters were stranded on the road. 

“Lagi naman talaga ‘yan na maano lang na ulan, ayun na ang lalim na ng tubig,” a commuter said. “Sana nga magawan ng paraan na hindi magganito na laging baha.” 

(It's always like this; as soon as it rains, the water is already deep. I hope they can find a way to fix this so it won't always be flooded.) 

The state weather bureau PAGASA earlier said that rains will still be experienced in parts of the country even though Tropical Depression Jacinto has already exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility. 

The tail of tropical storm Jacinto will still affect parts of the country, while the tropical depression is also enhancing the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News