Ramon Ang pledges to fix Metro Manila flooding 'at no cost' to the government
Ramon Ang vowed to help reduce floods in Metro Manila at zero cost to the government.
“Ako po, San Miguel, Ramon Ang, nagvovolunteer ako ngayon, ako nang tutulong sa buong Metro Manila mag-solve ng baha,” the San Miguel Corp. Chairman and CEO said in a press conference on Aug. 8 at SMC's Pasig headquarters.
Ang was joined by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Don Artes and several Metro Manila mayors. “I take it upon myself. I will cooperate with all of you at no cost to you guys. Kami na gagawa,” he added.
Among the officials in attendance were Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, and Las Piñas Rep. Mark Santos.
“Kahit ‘yung eskwela,” Ang continued, “gusto mo, bibili na ako ng lupa, tatayuan ko ng kapalit na eskwela. Bibili na rin ako ng lupa para tayuan ng pabahay, para lang alisin natin ang mga pabahay at eskwela sa ibabaw ng ilog.”
Ang assured this will be “at no cost to the government.”
“But without you guys authorizing us, pano namin magagawa ‘yon?” he said. “With MMDA and mayors, lahat ng obstruction, bunutin natin para mawala ang baha.”
This came less than a month after Metro Manila experienced severe flooding and the Department of Transportation and the MMDA called out the contractors of the MRT-7 under SMC over their alleged contributions to it.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said he asked MRT-7 contractors to clear out all obstructions in Commonwealth Avenue’s drainage system after the MMDA reported that the construction of Batasan Station could have partially obstructed the flow of rainwater.
SMC has since released a statement, clarifying, “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.”
It added that while earlier stages of the project affected a segment of the drainage system, it 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.’”
“Kasalanan ba namin ‘yun?” Ang asked in the Aug. 8 press conference. “Hindi. Wala nang turuan. Pinalitan namin lahat ng kanal.”
