Wonder why it floods so fast now in the Manila area?

This is because of the three ongoing drainage systems projects in Manila, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

MMDA Acting General Manager Baltazar Melgar said the three pumping stations are the Padre Faura Drainage, Remedios Drainage and Estero De San Antonio.

Thousands of motorists and commuters were caught in the traffic standstill in Manila in the past days due to the widespread flooding and it was earlier reported that the reason was the Dolomite Beach.

But Melgar said the flooding is not caused by the Dolomite Beach itself.

"Dolomite Beach has no connection to the recent flooding in the area. The reason why flood water subsided slowly during heavy rains last Friday was the ongoing construction of three pumping stations and a pipeline by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which is expected to be completed by October," Melgar said.

He said the pumping stations and pipelines are part of the engineering solutions that the government has put in place to further decrease the high coliform level count in the area and make the quality of water in Manila Bay "swimmable".

He explained that the slow subsidence of floodwater was because it was diverted to the Pasig River thru the Balete Pumping Station instead of discharging directly into the Manila Bay pending the completion of the three pumping stations.

Melgar said the MMDA is now coordinating with the DPWH in operating a mobile pump in the area to discharge the water directly to the Manila Bay.

"These storm waters can be safely discharged directly into the Manila Bay because it can be diluted. Water discharged to the bay should be treated to improve water quality as part of the government's program to rehabilitate it,” he said.