Lawmaker wants road repairs done in 72 hours

MANILA, Philippines - A Manila lawmaker is pushing for the passage of a measure that would require utility companies to repair any digging or destruction made in the course of their installation or maintenance work within 72 hours from completion of the work.

“We have been witnesses to the deplorable conduct of public utility agencies, companies or corporations both public and private of leaving the road, street, passageway of pathway where an installation maintenance or repair work was done in a very deplorable and dangerous situation,” Manila Rep. Carlo Lopez said as he filed House Bill 119.

He said more often than not, the repair or reconstruction takes place many months later and in haphazard manner and the strong clamor for necessary completion by affected residents fell on deaf ears because the owners and managers of these public utilities completely ignored such outcry.

Under the measure, all public utility agencies and companies or corporations that supply water, light, power, gas, telephone and other services to the public are required to complete repair works within 72 hours.

He said the repair or reconstruction shall be done in the presence of the barangay chief concerned or in his absence, the barangay secretary, who is hereby required to issue a certificate of repair work completion.

“A copy of the certificate shall be retained by the barangay official as basis for any future activities that any public utility companies or enterprise which may venture out in the same barangay,” Lopez said.

Violators face a fine of P50,000 and imprisonment of one year.