The local government of Marikina City has warned the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that its project to dredge the Marikina River with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) may aggravate and not lessen flooding in the city. In an exclusive interview with Daily Tribune, Mayor Marcy Teodoro insisted on the city’s “understanding” with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu that the dredging should widen and not reduce further the river’s width. Teodoro charged that the project is tainted with “conflict of interest” as Rep. Bayani Fernando, as chairperson of the House Public Works Committee, holds influence over the DPWH.

Alcober, N. (2021, February 17). River dredging smells — Teodoro. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A6.