Nicolas Torre Demands Answers as Flood Hits His Davao Residence Again
NICOLAS TORRE – After floodwaters once again entered his home in Davao City, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III is demanding answers over the city’s flood control projects.
Heavy flooding triggered by intense rainfall recently inundated the home of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III in Davao City, prompting him to publicly question the effectiveness of the city’s long-standing flood control efforts.
Through a Facebook post, Torre shared photos and videos showing floodwaters entering his residence in NHA Bangkal, Barangay Talomo. He also addressed those questioning his connection to the city, emphasizing that he is a legitimate resident with every right to raise concerns about recurring flooding.
“Ito ang bahay ko sa NHA Bangkal, Brgy. Talomo, Davao City. Kahit i-check pa sa Register of Deeds, nakapangalan sa aming mag-asawa ang titulo niyan. Kaya oo, residente rin ako ng Davao City. At oo, may karapatan akong magtanong,” Torre said in his Facebook post.
He revealed that the flooding was not an isolated incident, explaining that their home has repeatedly been affected over the years. According to Torre, he had previously chosen not to publicize the situation to avoid giving it a political angle, but he believes the time has come to demand answers from those responsible.
“Hindi ito ang unang beses na binaha ang bahay na iyan. Hindi lang ako nagpo-post dahil ayaw kong makulayan ng pulitika. Pero darating talaga ang panahon na kailangan nang itanong kung bakit paulit-ulit pa rin itong nangyayari.”
The former Philippine National Police chief then questioned what has become of Davao City’s flood control initiatives, especially after repeated flooding incidents despite significant government spending on infrastructure.
“Marami ang nagsasabing normal lang daw ito dahil sa mountain runoff at catch basin ang Davao City. Maaaring totoo iyon. Pero hindi naman bago ang bundok. Hindi rin bago ang ulan. Kung alam na pala natin ang problema, mas lalo dapat alam na rin natin ang solusyon,” he said.
Authorities previously reported that Davao City had been allocated P51 billion worth of flood control projects, making Torre question why residents continue to experience severe flooding whenever heavy rains occur.
“Kaya nga tayo gumagastos ng bilyon-bilyong piso sa flood control dahil alam nating may mountain runoff, may malalakas na ulan, at may mga lugar na madaling bahain. Ang flood control ay hindi para pigilan ang ulan. Ang flood control ay para hindi umabot sa loob ng bahay ng tao ang baha,” Torre’s complaint.
He ended his statement by stressing that, as a resident of Davao City, he is not interested in excuses but in seeing concrete improvements that will protect families from recurring floods.
“Bilang residente ng Davao City, hindi ako naghahanap ng palusot. Ang hinihingi ko ay resulta.”
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