Valenzuela congressman seeks relief of DPWH execs
Gatchalian requested Ebdane to consider the “blacklisting” of the contractor which was awarded an additional P2.5 million for the completion of a second steel bridge for pedestrians that has yet to be built.
The neophyte congressman also plans to conduct a House inquiry on the issue, which he described as “highly irregular, if not evident highway robbery,” in the light of the sudden increase of the project contract price – from the original P60.5 million to P63 million.
“Except for the swift completion of the project, nothing else can assuage the feelings of my constituents but the sacking of the DPWH men behind this deplorable debacle. We have been tormented long enough by those who have committed two of the seven deadliest sins — sloth and greed — and another unforgivable sin in public service called stupidity,” he said.
Gatchalian sought the immediate relief of the DPWH officials after thousands of Valenzuela residents were forced to suffer daily while walking across the
He said the residents also face the danger of a stampede or the collapse of the single steel footbridge that is too narrow to accommodate the surge of pedestrians, especially during rainy days.
Two temporary wooden footbridges have been destroyed by flood waters and dismantled by the Metro Manila Development Authority to avoid accidents.
Gatchalian said the DPWH should relieve the engineers in the Tullahan project, personnel and the contractor should be banned from getting government contracts, pending the proposed congressional inquiry into the highly suspicious bridge contract.
“It is only by taking swift steps to penalize those who have failed to do their jobs can the government demonstrate determination and sincerity in protecting public interest and welfare,” Gatchalian added.
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