Lacson seeks Senate probe on 'fresh' potholes along EDSA

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is seeking a Senate investigation into the rehabilitation and repair of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) after new potholes emerged on the recently rehabilitated portions of the major thoroughfare after days of bad weather.

In Senate Resolution No. 594, Lacson asked the Senate Committee on Public Works to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to review the design and engineering standards used in public infrastructure projects and determine accountability for the rapid deterioration of newly repaired roads.

“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.

“The presence of fresh potholes means the newly repaired avenue will already require another round of maintenance,” he added.

Lacson said the deterioration of recently rehabilitated roads raises questions about the planning, design, construction and management of costly public infrastructure projects.

Lacson said the emergence of potholes on recently rehabilitated sections warrants a review of whether the projects complied with the required design and engineering standards.

He also cited DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon’s inspection of the affected EDSA sections, who was also surprised with the new potholes.

“Dapat na-anticipate natin ito ah,” Dizon said during the inspection.

(We should have anticipated this.)

Lacson said the remark underscored concerns about drainage and road durability, particularly because water is a major factor in pavement deterioration.

The senator also pointed to provisions of Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, in seeking accountability for possible defects. He also cited Section 90(b), which provides a one-year defects liability period for infrastructure projects from project completion up to final acceptance.

During this period, contractors are responsible for repairing, at their own expense, damage attributable to inferior materials, construction defects or violations of the contract, subject to the conditions provided by law.

Lacson said Congress should determine whether contractors complied with the applicable standards and whether the DPWH properly exercised its oversight over the Asset Preservation Program.

“It is imperative for Congress to review the mandate of the DPWH in setting the necessary standards and the specifications, including those that have been foreseen and are foreseeable, in the designs and construction of our public works,” Lacson said. —VAL, GMA News