Malacañang said that the entry of typhoons and continuous heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) are considered “force majeure” or fortuitous events, as the government continues to implement preparedness and mitigation measures amid widespread rains affecting various parts of the country.
At a Palace press briefing on Monday, Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said that while such weather events are unpredictable and beyond human control, government agencies are actively preparing and coordinating responses.
“Ang pagpasok ng bagyo, ang pagragasa ng tubig-ulan, ito ang tinatawag nating force majeure o fortuitous event. Unforeseeable or na-monitor man, pero hindi kayang makontrol. Pero ito ay paghahandaan,” Castro said.
She cited coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), noting ongoing efforts such as estero cleanups, drainage clearing, and environmental maintenance activities to reduce flooding risks.
“Nakausap po natin mismo si MMDA Chairman Don Artes, at ito po ang kanyang sinabi, and I quote, tuloy-tuloy ang bayanihan sa estero, kasama dito ang paglinis ng drainage, katulong din ng MMDA ang DepEd para sa Brigada Eskwela, particularly ang pag-repair ng mga classrooms, pagsasagawa ng anti-dengue misting, pruning of trees, and cleaning,” she added.
Castro also urged public cooperation, stressing that flood prevention is a shared responsibility between government and citizens.
“Sa lahat ng mga kababayan natin, magtulong-tulong po tayo. Ang paglilinis po ng estero ay hindi lamang po dapat nating ipaubaya sa tao mula sa gobyerno. Tayo pong lahat ay makakatulong para maiwasan din po natin ang pagbaha,” she said.
In a separate question regarding political developments in the Senate, Castro said the executive branch sees no immediate impact on the administration’s legislative agenda, emphasizing the president's readiness to work with all leaders.
“Sa parte po ng Ehekutibo, lalong-lalo na sa Pangulo, ay wala po tayong nakikitang anumang magiging problema. Ang Pangulo ay makikipag-cooperate sa lahat ng mga liderato,” she said, adding that questions on Senate internal issues should be directed to Senate leadership.
