Ramon Ang offers free Metro Manila flood solution as SMC faces project blame

Adi Joaquim Tolentino

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and CEO Ramon Ang has pledged to help solve Metro Manila’s chronic flooding “at no cost to the people and no cost to the government,” even as his company faces accusations of contributing to the problem.

Ang made the offer on August 8, during a press conference with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes and several Metro Manila mayors such as Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, and Las Piñas Representative Mark Santos at the SMC head office in Pasig City.

“Ako po San Miguel, Ramon Ang, nagvo-volunteer ako ngayon. Ako na ang tutulong sa buong Metro Manila ma-solve ang baha at no cost to the people at no cost to the government,” Ang said.

He vowed to lead drainage construction, clearing operations, and relocation housing for residents displaced from riverside structures.

“Let’s provide them with housing so they won’t feel they are being evicted without due consideration,” he said.

Ang also stressed that waste and informal structures clogging waterways must be removed to restore water flow.

“We will do the cleaning, but without your authorization, we can’t proceed,” he told local officials.

MMDA Chair Artes welcomed the offer, highlighting Ang’s pledge to replace public infrastructure affected by clearing, such as a school built along the Tullahan River.

Moreno committed Manila’s support, calling the plan a welcome intervention for a city repeatedly hit by floods.

Gatchalian pointed to SMC’s ability to deploy heavy equipment quickly compared to the government’s lengthy procurement process.

Biazon said the work must be paired with a Metro Manila-wide drainage master plan to address outdated systems.

Ang’s public gesture comes just weeks after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) criticized MRT Line 7 contractors and Skyway management, both under SMC, over alleged flood aggravation in project areas.

“Kasalanan ba namin ‘yun? Hindi. Wala nang turuan. Pinalitan namin lahat ng kanal. Kami ang gumawa noon,” Ang said, rejecting the accusations.

SMC has maintained that its MRT-7 facilities near Batasan Station were built outside existing drainage lines and comply with approved engineering plans.

The company said a manhole cited in complaints does not obstruct water flow based on “design, simulation, and on-site inspection.”