'Bills to avoid flooding may take sometime to be passed'

MANILA, Philippines - Various resolutions and bills to avoid the repetition of massive flooding during typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” may take sometime to be passed because of the campaign period next year.

The Senate has only three weeks of session before breaking off for the campaign in February.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed Resolution No. 1431 directing the proper Senate committee to conduct an inquiry into the proliferation of informal settlements in Metro Manila in flood-prone areas which have interfered with the operation and performance of the floodway system.

Santiago’s Resolution 1430, on the other hand, calls for the investigation of the reported P1.1-billion flood warning system rendered useless allegedly because of neglect by the Metro Manila Development Authority.

“There is an urgent need to investigate this alleged neglect and misfeasance because these equipment data could have served as basis in issuing flood advisories, helped in disaster preparedness, and minimized the casualties and damages brought about by the two recent typhoons which struck the country,” Santiago said.

Resolution 1429, also by Santiago, seeks to look into the reported need to study the liabilities of subdivision owners, developers, and government agencies responsible for issuing building and business permits and licenses for their contribution to the deluge caused by Ondoy and Pepeng.

Santiago cited a study saying pre-existing natural waterways traversing subdivisions were filled up and replaced with inadequate reinforced pipes and culverts.

She added that the return period used by subdivision developers were even less than 10 years which was adopted by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

She said the study also showed that easements were missing and already built by private property owners or the local government unit itself, in violation of the National Building Code.

“Private property developers, subdivision planners and civil works engineers of the affected developments in Pasig City, Cainta and Taytay should be investigated so as to explain why their drainage systems are still not working long after the rains have stopped and possibly why they packaged and sold low-lying properties that they could have already suspected as flood-prone areas,” Santiago said.

“Local government units, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, and other pertinent government agencies should be investigated with regard to the approval and issuance of licenses to subdivision owners and developers, and business owners of establishments near rivers and waterways, who do not adhere to laws, guidelines, and measures prescribing the obligation to provide and properly maintain drainage, sewerage, and water systems within their jurisdictions,” she said.

She added that subdivision developers and owners should be penalized if found violating laws on housing and development.

Under another Resolution 1428, Santiago wanted to strengthen the forest protection laws in the wake of continued illegal logging activities in the Sierra Madre, which have contributed to the flood problems.

“The devastating repercussions of illegal logging and various environmental abuse have become apparent in the wake of the storms Ondoy and Pepeng, and these reports of continued violations of the log ban with the alleged collaboration of corrupt government officials are despicable and unscrupulous in the face of the wanton destruction of life and property the country has recently experienced,” the resolution states.

Meanwhile, senators also filed Senate Bill 3480 seeking to create a commission to conduct a comprehensive fact-finding investigation of the causes, circumstances, costs and actions to be taken in light of the disasters and calamities and recommend measures to prevent occurrence of similar tragedies.

The bill was filed by Senators Francis Pangilinan, Manuel Roxas II, Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Alan Peter Cayetano, Jamby Madrigal, Loren Legarda, Gregorio Honasan, Francis Escudero, Edgardo Angara, Richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senate Minority Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

Santiago also sought to prohibit the blocking of waterways in case of housing projects and construction of business establishments under SB 3483 and the creation of a national flood control commission under SB 3484.

Sen. Manuel Villar proposed under SB 3466 an act providing for a three-year P100-billion reconstruction and rebuilding program for affected local government units and communities due to the damage caused by the weather disturbances.   – Aurea Calica