Senate probe on recent EDSA repairs pushed after potholes appear

MANILA – Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the rehabilitation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) after potholes emerged on newly repaired sections following days of heavy monsoon rains.

Senate Resolution 594 directs the Senate Committee on Public Works to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into the road’s rehabilitation, including its design and engineering standards and the accountability of those involved in public infrastructure projects.

"For nearly a week, persistent southwest monsoon ('habagat') rains have drenched parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, damaging several main thoroughfares, including recently rehabilitated sections of EDSA. The presence of fresh potholes means the newly repaired avenue will already require another round of maintenance," Lacson said in the resolution.

He said the rapid deterioration of recently rehabilitated roads, particularly EDSA, raises questions about the planning, design, construction and management of costly infrastructure projects.

Lacson noted that the government has been funding the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Asset Preservation Program to improve national roads and make them more resilient to natural disasters.

He also pointed out that while the DPWH regularly conducts preventive maintenance and repairs on EDSA, the highway has not undergone a recent full rehabilitation to restore it to optimal condition.

The proposed Senate inquiry is intended to determine whether existing standards and safeguards are sufficient to prevent the premature deterioration of major road projects and ensure that contractors and government agencies are held accountable. (PNA)