Faultline risk worries Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang expressed concern over reports that the presidential palace might not be safe from an earthquake and has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to verify the integrity of the buildings in the compound.

“We had a meeting with DPWH Secretary (Rogelio) Singson. We asked him to check our buildings. Certainly, we will look into the safety and sturdiness of the structures,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said yesterday. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) research specialist Jane Punongbayan had reported that the Palace, including Bahay Pangarap across the Pasig River that is the residence of President Aquino, is not safe in the event of an earthquake.

The expert warned that the Palace grounds might sink in cases of a devastating tremor.

“I think we really need an earthquake drill, including media people at the New Executive Building. We will be asking the authorities,” said Lacierda.

The Malacañang compound was flooded when typhoon “Ondoy” struck in September 2009 and the Pasig River overflowed, submerging portions of the presidential compound and damaged several vehicles, including the black Mercedes Benz that is used as the presidential car.

Lacierda said that major structures in the country are strong enough to withstand earthquakes because of a very good building code adopted by the government.

“We’ve asked reputable persons and authorities on structures and they were one in saying that our new building code is very good. It has engineering solutions to the problems. It’s well-crafted,” he said.

Malacañang said there is a need to reassess the quake readiness of the country to prepare the people in responding to such a disaster and to know the structural integrity of major structures.