Group asks: DPWH has X-ray vision?

A civil society group has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways to release details of its road reblocking and asphalt-laying projects in Metro Manila, after the group questioned some of the more recent repair works.

In a letter to Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Citizens Infrastructure Integrity Watchdog (InfraWatch) executive director Ricardo Ramos asked for a copy of the agency’s Program of Work, which he said should give specifics about the projects’ funding, the type of work done and their duration.

In an earlier statement, the group drew attention to recent reblocking and asphalt overlay works in the metropolis, alleging that roads that appear to be still in good condition were demolished just to be rebuilt by a favored DPWH contractor.

Ramos then cited the repair works on Sucat Road in Parañaque City, Arnaiz Street in Makati City, and C-5 Road in Taguig City.

In a June 1 letter to Singson, Ramos said: “We are deeply saddened by the defense of the DPWH on the anomalous reblocking and asphalt overlay on good roads in Metro Manila and its environs, which is replete with pathetic ignorance and shameless prevarications.”

He was referring to the earlier explanation given by DPWH officials, who said some roads that were due for repairs may appear okay on the surface but had actually “deteriorated underneath” because of old age.

“Roads and bridges are not rocket science. Any deterioration manifests itself on the surface of the pavement. When there are no cracks or other signs of defects, DPWH cannot say there is deterioration underneath unless it has the X-ray vision of Superman who can see through concrete and steel!” Ramos added.

InfraWatch can gather witnesses to testify that the road pavement along Sucat Road, for example, “was in good, smooth condition when it was paved with asphalt,” he told Singson.