Bong Revilla asks DPWH: Can we fix Paeng-hit infra within a week?

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Wednesday asked the Department of Public Works and Highways if it can fix within a week the public infrastructure damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng .

In a letter to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan dated November 2, Revilla, chairman of the Senate public works panel, requested the department to “apprise” him of the current situation of the following infrastructure that have been damaged by Paeng:

• Bantilan Bridge linking Sariaya, Quezon and San Juan, Batangas
• Paliwan Bridge connecting the Antique towns of Laua-an and Bugasong
• Nituan Bridge in Parang, Maguindanao

The senator also sought updates on Romulo Bridge in Bayambang, Pangasinan which collapsed in October.

He made the request, saying these infrastructure “need to be rectified and made accessible immediately, as they are vital to the flow of people and goods in those areas.”

The lawmaker then mentioned the Japanese government’s quick rehabilitation of its calamity-hit infrastructure.

He cited as an example the cratered stretch of road in Ibaraki Prefecture which was damaged by a killer earthquake in March 2011, saying the Japanese government was able to reconstruct it in six days.

“The said highway was as good as new, and it was opened to traffic in less than a week. Can we also do that here in our country, Mr. Secretary?” Revilla asked.

The lawmaker told the DPWH to submit a report to the Senate public works committee on the total damage sustained by public infrastructure, including dikes, revetments, and other flood control structures.

He asked the DPWH to provide details on the amount of funds needed for the damaged infrastructure’s immediate reconstruction with a timetable as to when the repairs will be completed.

Revilla vowed to seek the help of the Senate committee on finance to provide the necessary funds to DPWH’s budget for 2023.

The Senate is expected to deliberate the proposed 2023 national budget in the plenary next week.

In a public briefing earlier in the day, Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao said the province is facing a shortage in fuel products as it was isolated from its neighboring provinces following the destruction of major bridges due to the onslaught of Paeng.

In its latest report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said damage to infrastructure brought about by Paeng has reached over P896.8 million.—AOL, GMA News