Joy Barcoma, Edu Manzano question government as floods expose evacuation gaps

Celebrities question flood-control efforts and evacuation gaps as over 1.3 million Filipinos are affected by habagat.

“Evacuation center pero binabaha?! How did we end up like this?” Miss Earth Philippines 2025 Joy Barcoma posted as severe flooding from the enhanced southwest monsoon displaces communities across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Actor Edu Manzano likewise questioned the country’s flood-control efforts, writing, “Kami na po ang bahalang lumangoy.” He added, “Forget flood control. MAG-SPEEDO na lang,” before asking, “NASAAN ANG PERA?” Manzano also wrote, “We paid for FLOOD CONTROL, not swimming lessons,” criticizing those who allegedly profit from or protect questionable flood-control projects.

Meanwhile, a netizen pointed to the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates dedicated evacuation centers, not basketball courts or classrooms, in every city and municipality. One wrote, “Ang tanong, may nakagawa na kaya kahit isa?”

The law provides that these centers should be built away from danger zones and withstand 300-kph winds and magnitude 8 earthquakes, with sleeping quarters, kitchens, healthcare spaces, and other essential facilities.

As of August 10, over 1.3 million people across 10 regions have been affected, with 58,655 people staying in 624 evacuation centers. 

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was at Malacañang Palace on Monday, August 10, where he presided over a situation briefing on the habagat. He directed agencies to intensify flood mitigation, including flood-control projects, dredging, HDPE pipe installation, and continued pumping-station operations.

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