Metro leaders negotiate habagat onslaught

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso is urging leaders of the city’s 896 barangays to undertake serious de-clogging efforts in their areas, citing persistent flooding problems with every heavy rain.

Domagoso expressed concern that annual barangay funds, amounting to at least 300,000 pesos per barangay, are not being utilized effectively for de-clogging and suggested that some efforts are merely for “photo opportunities” rather than genuine undertakings, leading to funds ending up in the pockets of “uncaring village leaders.”

To recall, there were some claims that the local government of Manila has not adequately monitored de-clogging work, with compliance often achieved without necessary inspections, particularly during the rainy season.

The sources suggested that de-clogging funds should be released during the rainy months to directly assess the effectiveness of the work.

During an interview at Baseco compound, Domagoso said his personal inspection of flood-hit areas revealed non-functioning pumping stations, which he attributed to projects by some congressmen.

He noted that pumping stations operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were generally functioning well.

“The present situation of some pumping machines that are not functional should reach the attention of President Marcos, and those who will be found neglectful should answer for that,” Domagoso said.

The mayor also announced plans to ask the city council to grant barangays access to their “calamity fund” when situations like typhoon “Crising” arise. This would allow them to address flooding and assist affected residents.

Over at Marikina City, Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro on Tuesday attributed the rapid recession of floodwaters to continuous dredging and slope protection work along the Marikina River.

More than 23,000 Marikeños were evacuated to 36 evacuation centers Monday night after the Marikina River reached its third alarm, prompting forced evacuations in flood-prone areas.

The first alarm is raised at 15.9 meters, signaling preparation for evacuation; the second alarm at 16 meters advises residents in low-lying areas to evacuate; and the third alarm at 18 meters requires forced evacuation due to imminent danger.

As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, the river’s water level had receded to 15.9 meters, or the first alarm, according to the Marikina City Public Information Office.

Marikina serves as a catch basin for the Upper Wawa Dam and rainwater runoff from the Sierra Madre mountain range, particularly during heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon.

Teodoro noted that some evacuees are beginning to return home as the river’s water level has dropped to the second alarm.

In a show of inter-agency coordination, Mayor Teodoro, alongside Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, led the distribution of relief goods to flood-affected families, aiming to expedite aid delivery and ensure the welfare of residents.

In other developments, the Supreme Court on Monday night postponed the release of the 2025 Shari’ah Special Bar Examinations (SSBE) results, which were originally scheduled for Tuesday. The delay was attributed to the suspension of work caused by inclement weather.

Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Camille L. Ting confirmed the postponement, stating that a new schedule for the release of the 2025 SSBE results will be announced in due course.

A total of 628 candidates completed the two-day digitalized examinations on May 28. This year marked the first time the Shari’ah bar examinations were conducted in a fully digital format. The exams were held simultaneously at four local testing centers: The University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, Mindanao State University — Iligan Institute of Technology, Ateneo de Davao University and Ateneo de Zamboanga University.