ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. wanted a copy, too, of the result of the geotechnical investigation on the defective P680-million Ungka flyover in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia.
Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants was hired by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 for P13,480,880 to conduct the geotechnical investigation.
Defensor requested a copy of the results from then DPWH Region 6 director Engr. Nerie Bueno but had not received a favorable response.
Now, DPWH-6 has a new head – officer-in-charge regional director Engr. Sonny Boy Oropel.
If he has a copy of the results, the governor said, the provincial government would know in what way it could help.
“Our concern is the immediate solution,” Defensor added.
Defensor plans to schedule an appointment with DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan in the coming days for a follow-up.
Early this week, DPWH-6 assistant regional director Jose Al Fruto mentioned during the legislative inquiry of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Works and Highways, chaired by Surigao del Sur 1st District’s Rep. Romeo Momo, that the regional office has no copy of the probe results.
These were immediately forwarded to DPWH central office’s Bureau of Design (BOD) for final review and approval, according to Fruto.
Meanwhile, the governor said the action taken by the Committee on Public Works and Highways already meant something in fast-tracking the solution, especially since the Congress has the supervisory power to call the attendance of DPWH officials.
“We [local government units] don’t have supervisory powers over projects of the national government, so maayo na because it can be ventilated, and once it is talked about there, we will push for the solution because our concern here is nga mausar na dayon,” Defensor added.
He is also open to the proposal that Iloilo hosts the second inquiry, adding that Congress has the final word.
Before the first legislative inquiry adjourned on Aug. 15, Kabataan party-list’s Rep. Raoul Danniel A. Manuel requested Momo to have the next inquiry in Iloilo City to elevate the sense of urgency of fixing the Ungka flyover./PN
