I RESPECTFULLY share my personal opinion that the contractor United Technology Consolidated Partnership (UTCP) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office, at present, are the parties that must be investigated and probably be held liable to the Ungka Flyover (UFO) condition. I base my opinion on facts and reasons that I’ve learned in line with the project.
Several months back, I noticed several personalities giving their opinions through different media platforms — opinions as to who is at fault. Sadly, they attribute their faults based on perception alone, which are baseless, irrational, lacking of proof.
Recent developments unfolded weeks ago, placing the situation into proper and factual context. It revealed factual information, making a better case in order to achieve desired justice and accountability.
First of the facts was the geotechnical investigation result by Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants, which clearly and factually pointed to the real problem. The problem identified was the soil condition where the pillars of the UFO structure sits.
Second of the facts was the expert opinion of a respected and known engineer Nilo Jardeleza. As per record, the UTCP was the contractor hired to develop the design and plan of the UFO. UTCP first conducted soil testing and providing results. Such results served as their UFO’s design and plan parameters.
The DPWH Central Office approved the UFO design and plan created by the UTCP, cascaded it to the DPWH Regional Office for implementation via mandated and prescribed processes. The regional local implementors were obligated to follow the UTCP-created design and plan.
Then recently, the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) led by its president, Rodolfo Javellana Jr., supported the people’s call for investigation. Aided by logic and facts, the UFCC named the contractor UTCP and DPWH Central Office as the right entities to subject to an investigation.
Javellana agrees with Engr. Jardeleza’s expert findings and opinions in identifying where accountability most likely sat. UFCC saw the wisdom in Engr. Jardeleza’s statement.
Javellana stated that to uphold fair justice, and to achieve true accountability, we must look at the root cause of the problem. And it has been clearly defined: it is the soil condition where the structure sits. The structure itself is not the issue.
It’s crystal clear. Common sense points to the contractor UTCP, which did the soil testing, as the one that needs to explain. We appeal that any investigation to be done must be geared towards the UTCP.
Javellana even encouraged Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava to avoid baseless, unfair accusations. I agree with Javellana that pinning the blame to the wrong parties is a waste of time and misleading. It may even deny the people’s quest for fair and true justice.
I commend Councilor Nava and all other personalities putting efforts for the Ungka issue investigation. But will all due respect, I find their arguments smeared of ill logic. The accusations are unfair and unjust.
To make matters worse, pointing to the wrong parties for accountability may be an obstacle to achieving fair and true justice. It will be a sad episode of justice in our province where the most likely culprit may escape being held accountable.
Likewise, a possible event of longish investigation process may ensue, which no one wants. I can almost imagine the timelines: many months of investigation of innocent entities, which are foreseen to be proven not guilty by merit; then another lengthy investigation process of the UTCP (which may take several months or years).
In that time span, repeated baseless accusations in the bar of public opinion that can shape unfair perception judgment to those wrongfully accused is clearly a failure of justice. And it’s all because of accusers who do not anchor their accusations and arguments to facts.
I can’t help but say, I hope that in this UFO issue, politics and political ambitions are set aside. If some can’t resist advancing political interest, at least do it fairly and logically./PN
