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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider TRB asks NLEX to explain flooding

TRB asks NLEX to explain flooding

Published Jul 26, 2025 08:02 pm
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has issued a show cause order to NLEX Corp., directing it to explain why it should not face administrative sanctions over flooding in certain portions of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), which left motorists and commuters stranded on Monday, July 21.
In a letter dated July 22, the TRB sought the operator’s explanation regarding the heavy flooding along the portions of Balintawak and Valenzuela. A copy of the document was made available to the public on Saturday, July 26.
The TRB said it has reminded NLEX Corp. as early as May to prepare for the rainy season, including taking on mitigation measures to avoid flooding.
“This most recent incident shows inadequate preparation in implementing preventive measures and protocols for handling flood incident along the tollway system,” it said.
Based on social media posts, motorists were stranded overnight due to flooding brought by continuous rains due to Tropical Storm “Crising” and the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
The TRB said this “alarming” incident demonstrates a “systemic failure” of NLEX Corp.’s tollway monitoring function.
As a result, the regulator may order the operator to temporarily waive tolls in affected segments of the expressway, alongside the imposition of administrative sanctions.
NLEX Corp. said it has already sent its response to the TRB on Friday, July 25, noting that it is in “close coordination” with the regulator.
In a statement, NLEX Corp. said the unprecedented rainfall on Monday caused surrounding rivers in Valenzuela and Meycauayan to overflow, resulting in flooding at certain portions of the expressway.
NLEX Corp. Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Luis Reñon said the company is implementing immediate measures in response to the recent flooding to help reduce the risk of another incident in the future.
“We are also working with relevant authorities to explore possible long-term solutions, including our offer to upgrade bridges, adopt and rehabilitate rivers and creeks that traverse NLEX,” said Reñon.
NLEX Corp. said it will ramp up its multi-layered flood control defense system to enhance protection against flooding along its expressway network.
Concurrently, the operator said it is rolling out proactive risk-mitigation efforts such as constant monitoring of river water levels, regular cleaning of drainage systems and culverts, bridge inspections and mitigation works, and ensuring the availability and readiness of water trucks and other dewatering equipment.
It has likewise organized an inter-agency flood mitigation forum to strengthen the preparedness of host and neighboring communities in maintaining clear waterways.
NLEX Corp. is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

Related Tags

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) NLEX Corp. Toll Regulatory Board (TRB)
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