NLEX Flood Causes 7-Hour Gridlock; Senators Affected, Infrastructure Plan Delays Exposed

A severe flood on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in the Philippines has caused a massive traffic gridlock, particularly in the San Simon area, leaving numerous vehicles stranded. Senator Robin Padilla recounted his experience at the Senate plenary, detailing a seven-hour journey from his home to San Simon. Padilla shared that he departed at 4:30 AM and only managed to exit San Simon by 11:30 AM, emphasizing that this was merely part of his trip towards Pangasinan. He explained that 95% of San Simon was submerged, and with MacArthur Highway also impassable, there were no alternative routes. He expressed frustration over the situation, especially after paying toll fees to use the expressway. Senator Joel Villanueva stated that Senator Lito Lapid missed the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte due to the congestion on the expressway. According to Villanueva, reports indicated the traffic stretched as far as 10 kilometers, with some motorists reportedly spending up to 22 hours stuck. He urged NLEX Corporation to confirm the provision of assistance, such as water, food, portable toilets, and medical aid, to the stranded drivers. He also called for NLEX to consider waiving or refunding toll fees for affected motorists. The senators' discussion on the NLEX traffic ordeal has led to broader concerns regarding the efficacy of flood mitigation projects across the country and the status of a previously proposed flood control master plan. Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III noted that a comprehensive flood control master plan was developed under the leadership of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson. He mentioned that studies for this plan began in 2011, it became a master plan by 2015, and was on the verge of execution, but was sidelined after the 2016 elections. Padilla questioned which agency would be tasked with drafting such a master plan moving forward, expressing reservations about the DPWH potentially being involved again. Senator Risa Hontiveros also brought up the mega-dike project, a long-standing request from local government units in Pampanga, inquiring about its progress. The recent flooding and subsequent traffic chaos on NLEX underscore the delays in infrastructure development and the urgent need for effective flood control measures in the Philippines. The fact that previously developed master plans were not implemented highlights the critical importance of policy decisions in future infrastructure investments and disaster preparedness. Source: GMA News Philippines