Clearing operations along the Marikina River have drawn criticism online after a video circulated showing a payloader appearing to scoop water and return it to the river.
The video prompted various reactions from netizens, including former Rep. Kiko Barzaga, who joked about the flood control efforts in Marikina.
MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III defended the operation, saying the public should first understand what the payloader was doing before criticizing it.
According to Torre, the machine was cleaning its bucket after it became filled with mud during the clearing operations.
He explained that the water used to clean the bucket was being discharged at the side to help remove mud and sediment.
The Marikina City government also said it uses payloaders to clear mud and garbage from roads following flooding.
Torre said the public remains free to criticize government operations but stressed that people should first know the full context before making comments.
The online criticism centered on the video showing the payloader handling water during the river clearing activity. Torre’s explanation was that the activity shown was part of cleaning the machine’s bucket after clearing mud.
The incident has since drawn attention to the clearing operations being conducted along the Marikina River and the use of heavy equipment in removing mud and debris after flooding.
The Marikina City government maintained that payloaders are being used to remove mud and garbage from roads affected by flooding, while Torre provided an explanation for the specific activity seen in the circulating video.
No further details were provided regarding the circumstances surrounding the recording or the individuals who initially posted the video.
