House panel to probe Metro Manila flooding

The House Committee on Metro Manila Development will conduct an inquiry next week into the massive flooding that recently affected Metro Manila.

The inquiry, set for July 31, will question the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on their preparedness despite existing programs.

Committee members whose districts were devastated by Typhoon Carina are expected to actively participate in seeking explanations from the agencies.

Lawmaker Rolan Valeriano emphasized the need for long-term plans to prevent recurring calamities, citing Super Typhoon Ondoy and Typhoon Yolanda as benchmarks for preparedness.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is also expected to report on relief efforts during the hearing.

The Metro Manila Council had previously declared a state of calamity in the National Capital Region due to the severe flooding.