THE former mayor of Olongapo City has issued an explanation regarding a circulating video containing his remarks about the city’s long-standing flooding problem.

In a statement, he apologized to those who had seen the video and acknowledged that his remarks may not have come across well. He said the conversation may have been taken out of its broader context.

The former mayor said he was simply being truthful in answering a question about flooding in Olongapo, which he described as a long-standing problem in the city.

According to him, he began addressing the problem when he assumed office as mayor in 2013, including the deepening and clearing of rivers, construction of drainage systems, and other projects aimed at reducing the impact of flooding.

“We did not promise that flooding would disappear in Olongapo because we do not control nature,” he said.

However, he maintained that the local government had implemented measures to lower flood levels and speed up the flow and recession of floodwaters. He also said that in the past, flooding in some parts of the city could take several days to completely subside, while it now recedes more quickly because of the projects that have been implemented.

The former mayor said he had no reason to lie just to maintain a good image among residents, adding that it was more important for the public to know the actual situation in the city.

He also explained that because of Olongapo’s location and geography, flooding remains a challenge and requires continuous projects and interventions.

He said that during his tenure, projects were implemented every year in different barangays to help address flooding.

Meanwhile, the former mayor said he would continue helping the city despite what he described as efforts by some people to discredit him.

He said he remains hopeful that the flooding problem in Olongapo can be further mitigated through cooperation between residents and the government.

The former mayor did not identify who recorded and circulated the video. The recording was made during a discussion held amid the distribution of relief goods to families affected by flooding in Barangay Sta. Rita.