MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed optimism that the flooding in parts of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)—which caused heavy traffic for motorists—is starting to subside.
During his inspection in Pampanga, Marcos said the travel time at the northbound lane has since been reduced.
“According to our latest report regarding NLEX: it appears the water is receding, and travel time on the northbound lanes is now less than one hour,” Marcos said in Filipino.
He noted, however, that the same could not be said for the southbound lane, which was lower than the northbound lane and was therefore more prone to flooding.
“It’s just the southbound side that’s a bit (difficult)—because the southbound section is really lower. The thing is—when we pump the water out, it has nowhere to go because the area is too low and the water level is too high,” he said.
He revealed that authorities were now looking into digging up other areas for the water to flow instead of onto the expressway.
“We just need to find a way to improve passage along the southbound lane and reduce the water accumulation there,” he said.
Since Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, NLEX has been experiencing traffic gridlock.
Malacañang has since advised motorists to avoid using the expressway.
Reimbursement
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), directed NLEX Corp. to consider reimbursing the fees of Class 1 motorists who were compelled to make a U-turn along the expressway due to the flooding incidents.
This as the DOTR also ordered the tollway management to implement a faster and more efficient flood warning system during heavy rains and flooding.
This system will include direct SMS (short message service) or text messages and other accessible platforms to ensure that travelers would receive timely and life-saving information, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said earlier on Wednesday.
He said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the DOTr and other national government agencies to take immediate action to resolve the severe traffic congestion along NLEX, which has been exacerbated by flooding in portions of San Simon, Pampanga—particularly in the area of Tulaoc Bridge.
The TRB, upon Lopez’ instruction, issued an Aug. 31 a Notice to Explain (NTE) to the NLEX management the traffic congestion caused by flooding, along with its proposed measures to mitigate the impact and prevent similar incidents in the future.
It also issued a separate letter to tollway management to consider reimbursing the fees of the affected Class 1 motorists at the height of the massive flooding.
The DOTr chief emphasized that timely advisories will help motorists navigate flood-prone sections of NLEX and identify alternative routes, ultimately reducing the impact of weather-related disruptions.
"Our toll operators must be proactive. They should anticipate which areas need to be monitored, especially when heavy rain is approaching, so motorists can immediately know which parts of the expressway are flooded or difficult to pass through and avoid them,” Lopez said.
“They should receive advisories right away—such as text messages—so they can plan better and not get stuck in traffic," the top transportation agency head added.
According to DOTr, the NLEX management has also been ordered to provide timely advisories and rerouting options to motorists through variable message signs (VMS) and other communication platforms.
These advisories must be disseminated at least three hours before the expected rainfall and resulting traffic closures, giving motorists sufficient time to adjust their travel plans, it said.
The DOTr said is also closely coordinated with the TRB, Department of Public Works and Highway and Metro Manila Development Authority (in implementing additional measures.
These include sandbagging, continuous pumping of floodwater, installation of flood barriers, and the diversion of vehicles to alternative routes—a multi-agency effort aimed at ensuring the safety and mobility of the travelling public, it said.
