This is why if planning a house build here make sure your floor is a couple of meters above sea level...Or more! No floods where we live whatsoever..
I`m no expert Jim but I would think that the "ground" in some areas of Manila such as Caloocan,Malabon and Valenzuela are below sea level in parts.. Perhaps other areas too. Building 2 meters above ground level there may not be much help!
Wish they could pump some of that water to our place.. No rain for a month at least and my garden could use a good 2"!