COA: 28 of 119 pumps in MMDA stations ‘unserviceable’

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Audit (COA) has found that 28 out of 119 pumps in large pumping stations operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were “unserviceable,” largely due to “delays in repair and rehabilitation.”

“The MMDA, under Republic Act No. 7924, is responsible for managing flood control in Metro Manila,” COA said in its 2025 audit report. “To carry out this mandate, the MMDA operates a network of pumping stations and floodgates.”

“Accordingly, pumping stations serve as one of the primary lines of defense against flooding, particularly in low-lying and highly urbanized areas,” the commission added.

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COA noted that in 2025, the MMDA reported achieving 100 percent reliability of its pumping stations and the Effective Flood Control Operation System.

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However, state auditors noted that “audit evaluation shows that the actual condition of the pumping stations presents certain limitations.”

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To determine the actual operational condition of the pumping stations, COA said it examined each individual pump. It found that 28 of 119, or about one in four pumps, were “not operational, being under repair, replacement, or rehabilitation.”

Of the 29 large pumping stations operated by the MMDA, the report showed that 18 had at least one pump due for repair.

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COA noted that for a pumping station to be considered “operational,” the majority of its pumps must be “serviceable.” Based on its inspection, however, COA found that three pumping stations had failed to meet this criterion.

These included Uli-Uli Pumping Station and Makati Pumping Station, which both had no operational pumps, as well as Libertad Pumping Station, which had only two operational pumps out of six.

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“During normal conditions, these limitations may not immediately result in visible flooding. However, during periods of heavy rainfall, when the system is most needed, reduced or absent pumping capacity in specific locations may delay the removal of floodwaters, thereby increasing localized flood risk,” said COA.

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The causes of these unserviceable pumps were “attributed to ongoing rehabilitation and warranty-related repairs” being undertaken through the Unified Project Management Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

According to COA, DPWH transferred flood control functions in Metro Manila to the MMDA through a memorandum of agreement executed in 2002.

But while the MMDA is “accountable for day-to-day operations and performance,” the report noted that DPWH “retains control over capital outlay, major repairs, and infrastructure development.”

“Since major repairs and rehabilitation fall under DPWH, the MMDA must coordinate with DPWH or contractors before defective pumps can be restored,” said COA.

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To address these concerns, COA recommended that the MMDA “endorse to Congress and appropriate authorities the need for direct and adequate funding,” and pursue better alignment of responsibility through a review of existing arrangements with the DPWH.

It also urged the MMDA to improve its monitoring and reporting systems by establishing clear criteria for operational pumping stations, prioritizing the repair of stations with reduced or no capacity, and ensuring timely escalation of critical issues.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, MMDA Chair Don Artes said 73 of its pumping stations remain operational despite having an unserviceable pump.

“Like Libertad pumping station, only two out of four are working, but that is enough to cover the service area, [or] catchment area. So, the service is not really affected. That’s why we are saying that it is operational,” Artes said.

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At the same time, he admitted that there have been delays in repairs, but noted that the DPWH has committed to finishing works on the Libertad pumping station by November. /mcm