SC, DOJ buildings safe after earthquake

MANILA, Philippines — Work in the Supreme Court (SC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) returned to normal yesterday following the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that hit Luzon on Monday.

The decades-old buildings of the SC and DOJ along Padre Faura street in Manila were both declared safe after an inspection.

“The engineering team has inspected all the buildings at the SC compound. No major structural damage had been found on any of the buildings,” the high court said.

“The SC will coordinate with the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) for a thorough structural assessment of its buildings,” it added.

Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin and Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez inspected the SC buildings. They found damaged ceilings in some rooms.

The DOJ buildings were also declared safe.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said there were no damage to the buildings or any equipment of the DOJ.

He said cracks were found in the exterior plaster of the new buildings, but are not a cause for alarm.

Work in the SC and DOJ was suspended on Tuesday as a safety precaution.

In Makati, Mayor Abby Binay said 95 buildings were declared safe following an inspection after Monday’s earthquake.

Binay said the three city hall buildings, public elementary and secondary schools, University of Makati and Ospital ng Makati were declared structurally sound. – Robertzon Ramirez