Screengrab from Nel Son FB
THE MRT-7 Project Management Office (MRT-7 PMO) clarified today that its facilities near Batasan Station on Commonwealth Avenue are not the cause of the flooding that occurred in the area, following renewed statements linking the incident in part to the ongoing project.
All MRT-7 structures in the area, including columns and footings, were built outside existing drainage lines and do not obstruct the natural flow of water. These were constructed with full consideration of the drainage layout and in compliance with approved engineering plans.
Concerns that were raised about a manhole constructed along the drainage line have also been reviewed. Based on design, simulation, and on-site inspection, the manhole does not interfere with water flow inside the pipe culverts.
While construction during earlier phases of the project did affect a section of the drainage system, this was fully coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The affected segment was restored upon completion, and on March 3, 2025, the DPWH Quezon City 1st District Engineering Office certified that the drainage was “100% completely restored in accordance with standard plans and specifications.”
Following the most recent flooding, MRT-7 engineers inspected the area and found the drainage outlet to be heavily clogged with plastic waste and debris. This significantly reduced the system’s capacity to carry rainwater, which likely contributed to surface flooding.
At a recent interagency meeting attended by DPWH and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), MRT-7 PMO requested any documentation that might indicate obstructions caused by the project. As of today, no such documents have been provided.
Flooding in Metro Manila is a longstanding and complex issue, often rooted in poor waste disposal and inadequate maintenance of drainage systems. MRT-7 PMO believes it’s important to approach the matter with a common understanding and a focus on long-term solutions.
Through its parent company San Miguel Corporation’s Better Rivers PH program, MRT-7 is contributing to efforts to reduce flooding by cleaning up heavily silted and polluted waterways. To date, more than 8.5 million metric tons of waste have been removed from rivers across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
MRT-7 PMO said it remains supportive of the MMDA, DPWH, and local governments in initiatives that promote sustainable drainage solutions, improved waste management, and flood resilience.
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