Marcos Orders Strict Enforcement of No-Build Zones Amid Flood Crisis

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce climate-related regulations, especially "no-build zones," as heavy rains and flooding continue to affect parts of the country. "The laws should be enforced, including the 'no-build zone.' Let us stop politicizing it, enforce the law, and it should be explained to everyone that the implementation of the law needs to be stricter for our safety," Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters on Tuesday, citing discussions during a Cabinet meeting on Monday. Mr. Marcos directed LGUs to enforce no-build zones, clear obstructions in waterways, maintain drainage systems, and ensure proper garbage disposal. The President noted that laws have not always been enforced due to political connections and corruption, and called for climate change awareness to be incorporated into public education to help communities prepare for severe weather. Ms. Castro revealed that Mr. Marcos cited unimplemented master plans for Metro Manila and Cebu dating back to 1941 and 1936, respectively. She stated that had these plans been carried out, some areas might have remained open spaces capable of absorbing rainwater. However, she indicated that no officials would be identified for accountability at this time, adding, "For now, we will not say who is to blame. We need to find a solution so that the waterways and drainage systems can be properly implemented and fixed." The Department of Public Works and Highways is focused on repairing flood-damaged roads, bridges, and dikes, while pursuing measures to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall and rising floodwaters. Ms. Castro mentioned that stricter enforcement of no-build zones might lead to the displacement of residents in prohibited areas, but emphasized that safe relocation sites should be provided. "Naturally, some of our fellow citizens who might be displaced from their usual homes will feel aggrieved, but we must enforce the law and simply provide them with a place where they can live safely because lives could be lost," Mr. Marcos also ordered agencies to review whether existing flood control measures remain adequate, taking into account changes in rainfall patterns over the past decade. Ms. Castro stated that coordination with the Climate Change Commission would be enhanced, and that delays in policy adoption by some agencies would no longer occur. The government continues to monitor weather disturbances in and around the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Tropical Storm Pilandok remained inside the country's monitoring area as of Tuesday, while Tropical Storm Saudel and another low-pressure area were being tracked outside PAR. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided more than P618.3 million in assistance to flood-hit areas in Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan, with total aid distributed in Central Luzon exceeding P874.8 million. The Department of Agriculture is also providing affected farmers and fisherfolk with crop insurance, farm assistance, and loans of as much as P35,000 under government recovery programs. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking