President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants local government units to strictly enforce no-build zones and stop making exceptions that could put communities at risk of flooding.
The directive came as the government dealt with widespread flooding in Central Luzon and other areas affected by heavy monsoon rains.
“Ayon sa Pangulo, dapat ipatupad ang batas pati ang ‘no-build zone.’ Huwag nang mamulitika — ipatupad ang batas — dapat ipaliwanag sa lahat na kailangang mas maging strikto sa pag-implementa ng batas para sa ating kaligtasan,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Tuesday.
Marcos Jr. also wants LGUs to make sure waterways are cleared and garbage is properly collected and disposed of.
“Sa LGUs, ipatupad ang “no-build zones.” Siguruhing maayos ang nasasakupan — makipagtulungan para mawala ang mga bara sa daluyan ng tubig — siguruhing nakokolekta ang basura at nailalagay sa tamang tambakan,” Castro said.
She said the country already has laws and policies meant to address flooding and climate change, but these will not work if local officials fail to enforce them.
Castro also pointed to the “palakasan system” and corruption as problems that can weaken the implementation of these rules.
“Hindi na ito dapat — hindi na ito maaari — ayon kay Pangulong Marcos Jr.,” she said.
The President has also pushed for greater public awareness, including teaching children about climate change and disaster preparedness.
Castro said Marcos Jr. wants people to understand that even simple acts such as keeping waterways free of garbage can help reduce flooding.IMT
