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The Commission on Audit found 28 of 119 MMDA pumps, or one in four, were not operational by end-2025, raising flood control concerns in Metro Manila.
The Commission on Audit (COA) reported that 28 out of 119 pumps operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority ( MMDA), or roughly one in four, were not operational as of the end of 2025. The pumps were either under repair, replacement, or rehabilitation, according to the 2025 annual audit report.
COA stated that audit evaluation showed that as of year-end 2025, 28 out of 119 pumps, or approximately one out of every four pumps, were not operational, being under repair, replacement, or rehabilitation.
By law, the MMDA manages Metro Manila's flood control system to ensure rapid drainage, passable roads, business continuity, and public safety during heavy rains.
MMDA and DPWH Shared Responsibilities
However, the MMDA's mandate is shared with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which controls funding, major repairs, and infrastructure development. COA acknowledged the MMDA's report indicating 100 percent reliability for its pumping stations and Effective Flood Control Operation System in fiscal year 2025.
But state auditors noted capacity limitations in some facilities, preventing them from operating at full capacity. Based on the audit report, the following were the conditions of the 29 large pumping stations operated by the MMDA as of December 31, 2025: only the Uli-Uli and Makati pumping stations had no operational pumps, while Libertad was operating with just two of its six units.
COA said that although a majority of pumps across the system remain operational, a significant portion are not functioning. In practical terms, this means that while the system continues to operate overall, its capacity is uneven and partly constrained, particularly in areas served by these affected stations.
COA added that during normal conditions, these limitations may not immediately result in visible flooding. However, during periods of heavy rainfall, when the system is most needed, reduced or absent pumping capacity in specific locations may delay the removal of floodwaters, thereby increasing localized flood risk.
MMDA Responds to Audit Findings
Responding to COA's findings, the MMDA said ongoing rehabilitation works do not disrupt the overall operations of its pumping facilities. The MMDA added that mobile pumping units are routinely deployed on standby for emergencies at the Uli-Uli facility, while modernization measures are underway to advance full automation across its network.
The MMDA also said it is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology on the computerization and automation of pumping stations to be connected to a command center for remote control and ease of monitoring water levels.
COA emphasized that the readiness of pumping stations is not entirely within the MMDA's control, as major repairs and rehabilitation projects fall under the DPWH. The audit body noted that even when urgent repairs are required, delays often occur in project programming, funding approval, and compliance with warranty requirements, processes beyond the MMDA's authority.
COA said that repair priorities identified at the operational level are not always aligned with those funded or implemented, which may further delay the restoration of critical pumping stations. COA also highlighted instances in which the agency did not immediately accept completed pumping stations because of unresolved defects requiring corrective work, such as the Sunog Apog Pumping Station in Manila.
COA said these situations highlight that while the MMDA is responsible for delivering flood control services, it has limited control over critical aspects of infrastructure readiness and restoration, which are essential to ensuring system reliability.
COA Recommendations for Flood Control
In light of these findings, COA recommended that the MMDA seek direct and adequate funding from Congress and review its arrangements with the DPWH to better align authority, resources, and operational responsibilities. It also advised the agency's Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office and technical units to streamline coordination on critical repairs and upgrade facility monitoring systems.
COA likewise recommended exploring alternative energy sources, including a transition to electric-powered systems, to reduce reliance on fuel and ensure the long-term sustainability of flood control operations.
In August, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City, underscoring the government's attention to flood control infrastructure.
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