Senator Loren Legarda called for the strict enforcement of environmental laws on Tuesday, July 22, as massive flooding hit parts of Metro Manila and Luzon, highlighting the role of improper waste disposal and illegal structures in exacerbating the situation.

Legarda pointed to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act as a way to address the perennial problem of flooding.

“We must segregate our waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Stop using single-use plastics. Do not throw plastics, bottles, or cans on the streets, near homes, or in illegal dumpsites that are prohibited by law,” she said in a statement.

The senator lamented that many waterways, canals, esteros, and even rivers are clogged with trash, preventing floodwaters from draining properly.

“This means people are not following [the law]. No discipline,” she stressed.

Legarda also warned against the construction of houses, buildings, and other structures on canals and waterways, which block the natural flow of water.

“These must be removed and restored to their original state so that floodwaters have a place to pass,” she said.

She urged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), local government units (LGUs), and communities to clean up esteros, canals, and waterways to prevent further flooding.

“We all must help out,” Legarda added.

The senator also reminded operators of boats, ships, and other vessels not to dump garbage into the sea. She explained that monsoon rains or 'habagat' often wash trash back to coastal areas, affecting communities that were not responsible for the garbage in the first place.

“Never throw anything into streets, canals, waterways, rivers, or seas,” Legarda emphasized.

“Our seas, oceans, and rivers are life. They are not trash bins. Care for it,” she added.

Several parts of Metro Manila were inundated in flood waters brought about by intense rains due to the southwest monsoon or “habagat” with water levels ranging from gutter-deep to knee-deep