Marcos says decades-old flood control plan finally being implemented

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the flood control master plan, which had been left untouched for decades, is finally being implemented.

He made the remarks after inspecting the Aquino and Agana bridges in Tarlac City, which partially collapsed due to strong river currents and continuous heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon.

READ: Agana Bridge to reopen soon; P300-M earmarked for repair – Marcos

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“We already have a master plan; it’s just never been executed,” Marcos responded when asked if the public can expect a flood control master plan. 

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“We’re only executing it now. We have had a master plan for decades, but walang ginawa (but nothing was done). Hanggang ngayon lang. Ngayon lang natin sinisimulan (We’re only starting it now. We’re only doing it now),” he continued, not specifying that masterplan he was referring to.

These remarks came as 9.4 million people, or 2.7 million families, across Luzon were displaced by flooding caused by three storms and the prevailing southwest monsoon, or habagat, since August 1.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also reported 39 fatalities, 20 people injured, and three others missing.

In the same statement, Marcos said the national government will allocate P300 million for the rehabilitation of the Agana and Aquino bridges that partially collapsed from strong river currents and continuous heavy rains.

He said the Agana bridge could reopen to pedestrians within one week and to light vehicles weighing 10 tons or less within two weeks. The Aquino Bridge, meanwhile, could take longer to reopen due to the extent of the damage. /jpv