CITY OF MALOLOS — Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), owner and operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), on Tuesday (Sept. 1) said it recognizes the difficulties faced by motorists and will continue working with national and local agencies to speed up flood-prevention measures and restore reliable travel through the affected NLEX corridor.
In a statement sent to UnliNews Online, the company said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Transportation, Toll Regulatory Board and other government agencies to assess immediate measures to support motorists affected by days of Habagat rains and rising water levels in the Pampanga River, while speeding up necessary flood-prevention measures.
As part of a permanent solution to recurring flooding in the San Simon segment of NLEX, MPTC said it will raise the northbound and southbound pavements in Tulaoc, San Simon, Pampanga once the Tulaoc Bridge elevation is completed.
Earlier, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda said the flooding reflects a broader drainage problem across the province, with water backing up because downstream areas like Macabebe and Masantol are already full and floodwater cannot readily discharge toward Manila Bay.
MPTC also shared observations by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon that the sheer volume of water brought by the southwest monsoon overwhelmed the system. In a media interview, the DPWH chief acknowledged that pumping alone would not solve the problem as the water would simply flow back. (UnliNews Online)
