Yes, we want a solution to solve the Ungka Flyover (UFO) problem at the soonest possible.
Equally important is our need for justice. One that upholds true accountability.
We can no longer completely quantify the discomfort brought by this huge blockage. Disappointments and discomforts are turning into anger. I feel like in that state of angry helplessness, these people are like innocent prisoners forcibly bound by the snail’s pace traffic around the UFO during rush hours.
Sadly, there are entities that capitalize on these angry and tired states of mind. Manipulating the perception of the “prisoners”. Blaming convenient suspects for some ulterior motives. Accusations being aired for months, I think, are missing some rationality and logic. It’s like adding another kind of prison to the literal and already existing traffic imprisonment.
In recent developments, I came to realize that pursuing justice must start with a logical assessment and understanding of the situation. The effort must be based on facts than mere perception accusations (the ‘feeling ko,’ ‘sa tingin ko’ mindset).
The Abinales report clearly states that the problem is in the soil condition that serves as the foundation of UFO pillars. It’s a fact. Respected and credible Engr. Nilo Jardeleza sums up that the DPWH Central and contractor United Technology Consolidated Partnership (UTCP) “are answerable.” Jardeleza’s opinion is logical and clearly based on common sense because it is consistent with the Abinales report.
The UTCP is the contractor commissioned to do the geotechnical services for the UFO. Their primary job was soil testing. Their findings guided them in creating the plan and design of the UFO, and such plan and design were submitted to the DPWH Central Office, which approved it. The approved design and plan were forwarded to the DPWH Regional Office for crafting the required procedures in constructing the UFO. The local implementors merely delivered their tasked based on the UTCP’s and DPWH Central Office’s approved design and plan.
Jardeleza is logical enough to say that “UTCP is answerable.”
Rodolfo Javellana Jr., Pesident of United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC), supports the opinion of Jardeleza, simply because it makes sense. Javellana and the UFCC’s call for justice is based on factual truth considering the Abinales report and Jardeleza’s professional opinion.
The UFCC, in recent activities, appeals for proper investigation, logically identifying the most probable accountable parties at present, which are DPWH Central Office and UTCP. Javellana even encourages Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava to join in the rational, logical and common sensical identification of probable accountable parties of the UFO problem.
My reaction to Javellana’s recommendation: Probable UTCP accountability may be covered-up.
Abinales factually identified the problem – soil condition for the foundation. Jardeleza presented who’s job is the soil testing, and the creation of the design and plan – UTCP. These facts make us well-informed of the logical and clear root cause of the problem.
Javellana states that the best and prudent way is to look first at the root cause. It is the truth that will set us free and pave the way for true and fair justice. Happy Independence Day!
