Following several cases of obstructions of natural waterways in some parts of the metropolis, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it wants to be among the agencies to issue clearances to commercial and residential land developers in flood-prone areas.

Chief Engr. Baltazar Melgar of the MMDA Flood Control Management Service said he has observed laxity in implementing laws concerning natural waterways, pointing out that it is a must for government agencies to examine and evaluate the land development and building plans submitted to them.

Among the agencies he mentioned were the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as local government units.

He said the MMDA must also be part of the procedure to ensure that natural waterways are not changed or built on with any development, particularly in flood-prone areas in Metro Manila.

“The MMDA should be involved in the process from the start. By doing so, we can prevent errant construction along natural waterways outright,” he quipped.

He also said the demolition of shanties or structures encroaching on waterways would be more difficult for MMDA personnel if informal settlers or establishments could produce legal documents for the encroaching structures.

The agency is urging local government officials to be vigilant in monitoring building constructions and land developments in their areas of jurisdiction.

Moreover, Melgar recommended that even after the issuance of building permits, LGU officials must keep an eye on construction projects because most of the construction companies and developers deviate from the original plans they have submitted.

He pointed out that alteration of natural waterways are prohibited under the law but are still being done because of laxity in implementation, stressing that natural waterways must not be changed or built on with any development.