Motorists navigating Metro Manila during periods of heavy rainfall now have access to a dedicated hotline providing real-time information on flooding and road conditions. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officially strengthened its emergency response efforts through Hotline 136, a service aimed at helping the public monitor flooded roads and traffic situations across the capital.
The initiative was introduced following the severe flooding incidents experienced in several parts of Metro Manila last year. According to MMDA General Manager Nicholas Torre III, the hotline forms part of the agency’s broader effort to improve accessibility to urgent road and flood advisories during the rainy season.
During a press conference held at The Manila Hotel on Friday, Torre explained that the public can now obtain direct updates instead of relying solely on social media posts for information about passable roads and flooded streets.
“As part of strengthening Metrobase 136, we improved our social media positioning. That is real time, and if you have questions and want real-time answers, call 136, and we will answer you,” Torre said.
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Hotline Offers Real-Time Flood and Road Information
The MMDA clarified that motorists may directly ask operators whether specific roads are flooded or still accessible to vehicles. When asked if callers could inquire about individual roads, Torre responded:
“Yes. If they want to call about it, we will answer you.”
The agency explained that the service can be accessed by dialing 136 through either a mobile phone or landline. Metrobase operators will then provide updates on current road conditions and possible alternate routes around Metro Manila.
“To use the service, motorists need to dial 136 from a mobile phone or landline and ask Metrobase operators about real-time road conditions or potential alternate routes across Metro Manila,” Torre added.
According to the MMDA, the hotline is available 24/7 and is free of charge, allowing motorists to seek assistance during emergencies or sudden flooding incidents without worrying about mobile load expenses.
Metrobase Monitors Roads Through CCTV and Field Validation
The agency’s Metrobase command center continuously tracks major roads using CCTV cameras installed under the no contact apprehension policy system. Information gathered from these cameras is then coordinated with field personnel for on-ground verification and response operations.
Torre noted that the heavy rains experienced in May exposed lingering vulnerabilities in Metro Manila’s flood control system despite prior cleanup operations and inspections conducted before the onset of the rainy season. Because of this, the MMDA is encouraging the public to maximize the use of Hotline 136 and monitor official advisories during severe weather conditions.
The agency also advised motorists to regularly check the MMDA’s official Facebook page, where flood advisories and traffic updates are posted in real time.
For many Filipinos who travel daily across Metro Manila, immediate access to accurate flood and traffic information can help reduce travel risks, prevent vehicles from getting stranded, and improve public safety during extreme weather events. As flooding continues to affect urban areas during the rainy season, quicker communication systems like Hotline 136 may become increasingly important for commuters and emergency response efforts throughout the region.
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