Steel makers seek probe of alleged substandard steel for NGCP towers

MANILA, Philippines - Domestic steel manufacturers are urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to help determine whether the toppled towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) used substandard materials.

The Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation (PPSQF) said they would also coordinate with other concerned agencies in determining if the collapse of several power transmission towers during the onslaught of Typhoon Juan was due to the use of substandard steel.

PPSQF said representatives and teams of technical experts from the steel industry are ready to conduct their probe once they secure the approval of the energy officials.

PPSQF executive director Maria Victoria Padilla said they are aware that several towers collapsed during the typhoon, and that it is the responsibility of the industry to determine if structural and material defects contributed to it.

“First we would like to find out if the materials used were substandard. And if they are substandard, determine if they are locally made or imported,” she said.

“Being responsible corporate citizens, we cannot just sit back knowing that this is hazardous to life and property, aside from causing disruption to the delivery of power to communities and business establishments,” Padilla said.

In the Gamu-Tuguegarao line alone, at least 15 towers collapsed at the height of the typhoon.

Padilla said PPSQF is seeking an immediate meeting with the DOE and several transmission companies.

She said majority of materials used in the construction of towers are steel angle bars so there should be a good coordination among the industry, transmission firms, DOE and other concerned agencies to prevent, or at least minimize, the possibility of more towers collapsing during calamities.