Dev Flores

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) collaborated with Haskoning, an international consulting engineering company, to identify viable locations for rain catchments across Metro Manila to mitigate flooding.

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Romado Artes, the solution that may help to mitigate flooding during heavy rains is to establish a sponge city or a nature-based solution.

“With the advent po ng climate change, extreme weather conditions, heavy downpour or yung malalakas talaga na buhos ng ulan, hindi na dapat i-control yung tubig; hindi na dapat labanan, kundi dapat po ay i-manage. At iyan po yung purpose ng sponge city and nature-based solution,” he said

[“With the advent of climate change, extreme weather conditions, heavy downpours, we should not just control the water; we should no longer fight, but manage, and that is the purpose of sponge city and nature-based solution.”]

According to Atty. Artes, there are 39 potential sites for rain catchment installations across Metro Manila, and each cities in Metro Manila have at least two to three prospective locations to install the facility.

The MMDA has also designated key priority sites targeted to be completed by mid-2027, including: Miriam College Openfield, Camp Aguinaldo, Rajah Sulayman Park, Remedios Circle, and UP Sunken Garden

“Ang principle po niyan, i-hold muna yung tubig pansamantala sa source nila para po hindi ma-overwhelm yung atin pong mga drainage system, yung atin pong river system at ating mga estero,” Atty. Artes said

[“The principle there is to temporarily hold water at the source to prevent overwhelming our drainage systems, river system, and waterways.”]

The MMDA aims to complete all 39 rain catchments by the end of 2027, and the anticipated budget of 200 million USD will come from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

However, Atty. Artes clarified that the agency cannot guarantee a completely flood-free region due to worsening rainfall volume.

“We cannot guarantee flood-free Metro Manila because nakita niyo naman po 'yung mga rainfall events natin na palakas nang palakas,” Atty. Artes said

Yet, the chairman assured the public that the project will effectively mitigate the floods.

“Pero what we can assure you is ito pong mga projects na to will be efficient in mitigating yung flood, may epekto at hindi po masasayang yung pera ng tao,” he said

[“What we can assure you is that these projects will be efficient in mitigating floods, have effects, and will not waste public funds.”]

With reports from JP Nuñez

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a suspect who claimed to be an employee of Welfare Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (WEMPC) during the entrapment operation.

WEMPC is a registered cooperative under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the suspect allegedly recruited investors through social media groups, while unauthorizedly using the name of the agency.

“Based on initial information, Guzman, who presented herself as the cooperative’s general manager, allegedly recruited investors through posts in various social media groups and presented a purported DSWD Notice of Award as proof that WEMPC had been awarded a catering services project,” according to the online issued statement by DSWD.

The DSWD added that the suspect allegedly told prospective investors to receive 10 to 15% ROI  within a one-year contract.

“The suspect allegedly told prospective investors that additional capital was needed to fund the project, and offered investors a 10 to 15 percent return on investment within a one-year notarized contract, with post-dated checks supposedly to be issued by WEMPC to participating investors,” according to the DSWD

The suspect is currently in NBI custody.

Meanwhile, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao reminded the public to verify before committing to any investment transactions, and stressed that the name of the agency should never be used to entice people to invest.

Dumlao added that the agency will closely coordinate with law enforcement agencies to identify other individuals involved in similar fraudulent schemes and hold them accountable.

The proposal to temporarily make toll fees free has reached the management of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation.

According to NLEX Assistant Vice President for Traffic Operations Robin Ignacio, the executive is already aware of the public’s request to make it free for the meantime.

“Narinig na rin po ng aming management yung mga ganyang comments at marami na rin pong comments otherwise, so ayun po, antayin po natin kung ano po yung desisyon po tungkol diyan,”

[“The management has heard these comments; otherwise, let’s wait for the decision regarding that matter.”]

Meanwhile, NLEX continues to remove the floodwaters that cause heavy traffic in Candaba Viaduct, Tulaoc, San Simon, and San Simon Interchange. 

NLEX will also inspect the drainages to determine why the floodwaters accumulated on the road. The management also believes that climate change has caused unprecedented flooding in some sections.

For long-term solutions, NLEX Corporation plans to install flood mitigation barriers to prevent runoff from invading the carriageway during heavy rains. The company is also evaluating road elevation projects to prevent water accumulation.

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The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group arrests SIM card seller in Bulacan an individual in Bulacan for selling a registered SIM card.

Based on the report, SIM cards can be utilized in crimes; that’s why the ACG calls on Congress to amend the SIM Registration Act.

“Nakatulong naman ang ating SIM Card Registration Act. Kailangan lang po ang amyendahan para dagdagan ang mga measures at para mas gumanda ang mga ipapatupad natin,” PMGen. Wilson Asueta said

Despite the legislation being enacted three years ago, cybercriminals continue to operate widely using the SIM card.

PNP ACG Director PMGen. Wilson Asueta revealed that 90% of cybercrimes in the country, including scams, fraud, identity theft, and other illegal digital activities, involve the use of SIM cards.

“So we are appealing to our legislators for please for the immediate passage of amended laws for this purpose. Kasi po talaga masasabi ko, almost all of the cyber cases, mga cyber crimes committed ay nagsisimula po sa sim card,” he explained

Based on the data of PNP ACG, from January 1 to July 31, the unit recorded 5,231 cybercrime cases, including 576 scams. The group also conducted

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The Philippine National Police (PNP) will intensify its visibility in high-traffic areas such as public markets, flea markets, shopping malls, transport hubs, and places of worship, following the start of ‘ber’ months. 

PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group to monitor potential exploitation in cyberspace.

The PNP Chief also urged the public to remain alert against crimes that could surge amid the influx of shoppers.

Meanwhile, the PNP ACG will also strengthen its cyber patrolling and campaigns against scams starting this month.

According to PNP ACG Director Maj. Gen. Wilson Asueta, the cybercrime prevention and cybersafety activity remain ongoing. He also highlighted the improtant role of media in disseminating information and raising public awareness to help prevent cybercrime incidents.

With reports from Lea Ylagan