MMDA: No formal agreement yet on RSA’s flood solution offer

Chairman Atty. Romando "Don" Artes of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said there is no need to have a formal agreement to implement the offer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to solve the flooding problem, particularly in Metro Manila.

Artes said this after he was asked Wednesday if there will be a formal agreement regarding the help being offered by Ang to resolve flooding in the metropolis.

“Maybe there is no need to have a formal agreement to implement the offer. In fact on Friday we will have a joint inspection along Roxas Boulevard,” said Artes.

The MMDA chief said they have the necessary equipment to be used in cleaning up esteros or waterways and it is no longer being contracted out.

He explained the MMDA has the capacity to do simultaneous cleanup in different sites.

The MMDA chief said that Ang has said that what they will do in the flood control projects is at no cost to the government since they will shoulder the expenses.

“Mr. Ang has said that they will do is no cost to the government. And since they have the necessary equipment they could fasttrack the clearing operation,” said Artes.

He said it is a very good offer since, first, the process is much faster and there is no need to ask for a budget from Congress.

As far as Artes is concerned, the project should be started as soon as possible; thus, on Friday they will have a meeting with Ang.

To recall, last Friday, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and CEO Ramon Ang volunteered to help solve the flooding problems in Metro Manila "at no cost to the government."

This he revealed in a press conference with concerned government officials, as he vowed to work on flood mitigation projects, including the construction of drainage systems and clearing operations, as well as housing and school-building programs.

“I, San Miguel, Ramon Ang, am volunteering now. I will help the entire Metro Manila solve the flooding at no cost to the people and no cost to the government,” said Ang.

This comes weeks after Ang's firm was being blamed for the flooding in some areas where they have ongoing projects.

“Was that our fault? No. Let’s stop pointing fingers. We replaced all the gutters. We were the ones who solved that,” Ang said.