MANILA — Malacañang said the government is not considering sanctions against North Luzon Expressway management for now despite complaints over motorists being stranded for hours due to severe flooding.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said possible penalties were not discussed during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s meeting with concerned officials on Monday.

“No sanctions were discussed. The President’s proposal focuses on how to assist our fellow citizens who got stranded on NLEX,” Castro said.

Questions over possible sanctions arose after motorists complained that vehicles were still allowed to enter the expressway despite worsening flooding and traffic conditions.

Severe flooding in parts of NLEX, particularly in Tulaoc and near the San Simon Interchange in Pampanga, caused hours-long traffic congestion as water from the overflowing Pampanga River affected portions of the expressway.

Castro said the President’s immediate priority is to ease the situation of motorists trapped along the highway rather than determine possible penalties against NLEX management.

“Imposing sanctions is not the President’s priority right now; rather, it is the welfare of our motorists,” she said.

The Palace also acknowledged an earlier proposal by Marcos to use a portion of the Candaba Swamp as a water-impounding area to help reduce flooding in Pampanga.

Castro said the proposal previously faced opposition due to concerns that agricultural lands could be affected.

She added that the government may review the implications of the earlier opposition but stressed that the administration is not seeking to assign blame.

The Palace said other flood-mitigation measures may still be considered to help address the recurring flooding affecting Pampanga and major transport routes such as NLEX.

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