Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago has called for a Senate inquiry on the report that 70 percent of the existing drainage systems in Metro Manila are clogged, a major cause in the inundation of Metro Manila and nearby provinces following twin typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

Santiago noted a recent interview with Major Flood Control and Drainage Project Director Patrick Gatan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) where he reported that man-made causes were also to blame for the unexpected flooding in addition to the abnormal amount of rainfall.

Gatan's statements were further bolstered when the east side of Manggahan Floodway remained flooded while the other areas in the metropolis are already dry.

Because non-organic solid waste deposition has become a common problem, Santiago noted that it was one of the main causes impairing drainage and river systems. This also prompted Santiago to call on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to coordinate closely with the local government units (LGUs) and the Metro Manila Development Authority to develop sound solid waste management practices and to efficiently implement the Solid Waste Management Act.

The cleaning and unclogging of Metro Manila’s drainage system should be coupled with measures that will prevent the future clogging of drainages, the resolution read.

“Other reasons that give rise to the clogging of drainages such as the formation of informal settlements built alongside waterway channels should be relocated or removed and prevented from recurring,” Santiago added.

In Senate Resolution 1482, Santiago wanted stricter penalties imposed on establishments found violating the Solid Waste Management Act.

Santiago said the local government units should ensure that the trash bins are located within their jurisdiction; proper waste disposal should be strictly enforced in all school, establishments, cities, and municipalities in order to prevent the quick clogging of drainages.

In calling for an inquiry, Santiago noted that the unclogging of the drainage systems is of primary importance in light of the fact that flooding has been a perennial problem of many areas in Metro Manila.

Over the weekend, the senator also filed Senate Bill 3483 that seeks to prohibit any person or organization from filling, covering or blocking any part of a river, creek, brook, spring, lake, lagoon, swamp, marsh, and similar waterways in order to put up any housing project or similar obstruction.