MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has asked the Senate to investigate the rehabilitation and repair of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) after potholes appeared on newly rehabilitated sections following days of southwest monsoon rains.
Lacson filed Senate Resolution No. 594 on Wednesday, directing the Senate Committee on Public Works to examine the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Edsa rehabilitation projects and review the design and engineering standards used for national road projects.
“For nearly a week, persistent southwest monsoon (habagat) rains have drenched parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila; damaging several main thoroughfares, including recently rehabilitated sections of EDSA,” Lacson said in the resolution.
He said the emergence of potholes on newly repaired portions would require additional maintenance and could indicate problems in the planning, design, construction and management of costly public infrastructure projects.
The DPWH completed the first phase of the Edsa rehabilitation from Roxas Boulevard to Orense Street in April. The agency awarded the second phase, covering Orense Street to Monumento, in May.
Lacson also cited Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon’s remarks during an inspection of the potholes: “Dapat na-anticipate natin ito ah… Barado eh, oh?” or “We should be able to anticipate this. It’s clogged.”
Lacson said the latest road damage has renewed concerns over drainage and road construction standards. He noted that former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson had previously identified inefficient drainage as a factor that could contribute to asphalt deterioration when roads become submerged in floodwater.
The senator also cited Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, which requires detailed engineering for infrastructure projects and provides a one-year defects liability period. During that period, contractors must repair qualifying defects at their own expense.
“It is imperative for Congress to review the mandate of the DPWH in setting the necessary standards and the specifications… in the designs and construction of our public works,” Lacson said.
