By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Tuesday, Dec. 11, called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Western Visayas to investigate recurring safety issues involving falling debris from the Ungka Flyover, which is currently undergoing rectification works.
The provincial board passed a resolution filed by 2nd District Board Member June Mondejar, who chairs the Public Order and Security Committee.
Mondejar recounted how the DPWH regional office had acknowledged public complaints about debris falling from the flyover.
DPWH-Western Visayas Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel told Daily Guardian on Nov. 28 that they had placed sacks as barriers to catch mortar grout spilling from the structure.
However, Mondejar noted that despite these measures, debris continued to fall, causing safety hazards and disrupting traffic.
He cited a Nov. 7 incident in which police officer Frank Sanchez was struck by falling debris while riding his motorcycle. The impact damaged Sanchez’s helmet and caused right shoulder pain.
“Probably, there are more incidents associated with the construction of [the Ungka Flyover] that have not been relayed to me,” Mondejar said in his privilege speech.
The board member questioned the adequacy of the Occupational Safety and Health Program (OSHP) and safety plan implemented during the rectification works.
Under the PHP 192.25-million Phase 2 contract for the flyover’s rectification, PHP 86,284.80 was allocated for the OSHP.
“Why are these safety incidents happening despite the DPWH-approved safety plan? Are the safety measures being implemented truly effective? Did they account for falling debris in their safety plan? And is the contractor strictly following the DPWH safety plan?” Mondejar asked.
Daily Guardian has reached out to Mondejar for additional comments and to Oropel for a response, but neither had replied as of this writing.
