NAVOTAS City Rep. Toby Tiangco has vowed to demand for a legal action against a shipping company which was responsible for damaging the navigational gate of the Malabon-Navotas River that caused massive flooding and affected hundreds of residents.
“There is an urgent need for accountability,” said Tiangco as he’s set to meet with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority officials since they have jurisdiction over the filing of the case.
He lamented that the city’s 81 ‘bombastik’ pumping stations could have controlled even the high tides but it was otherwise when the floodgate was damaged last month after a private vessel collided with it while being towed by tugboats.
His brother – Mayor John Rey Tiangco – has reportedly supported the former’s demand for legal action against the owners of the vessel and tugboats.
The Tiangco brothers said that flooding in Navotas has already been managed since the city government built pumping stations which effectively siphon water during heavy rains and high tide.
Under state of calamity
Mayor JRT quickly hailed the Sangguniang Panlungsod for passing a resolution that placed the Navotas under a state of calamity due to severe flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.
He said they were now able to use its calamity fund and expedite relief and recovery efforts for those affected.
“The safety and well-being of our residents are our top priorities. We are fully committed to providing immediate relief and supporting our fellow Navoteños in their swift return to normalcy.”
Hundreds of families were taken to evacuation centers across the city due to continuous rains and high tides that have led to flooding in the villages.
Tiangco brothers thank PBBM
The Tiangco brothers were gratified by President Bongbong Marcos’ visit at the height of the wrath of habagat and the typhoon in Navotas where he inspected the damaged Tangos-Tanza navigational gate and distributed relief packs to evacuees.
“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Pangulong Bongbong dahil nakabisita siya para kumustahin ang mga Navoteño. His presence and the immediate assistance he extended brought hope to our people,” they said.
The Navotas lawmaker said they discussed with the President the plans for the repair of the floodgate.
