2 DPWH employees suspended over Osmeña flyover mess

MANILA, Philippines - An engineer and a laboratory inspector of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been relieved from their posts after they allegedly approved the use of substandard materials in the repair of the Osmeña flyover.

DPWH-National Capital Region director Reynaldo Tagudando said laboratory inspector Marcos Garcia and engineer Pedrito Famadico “have been suspended from handling projects because of their inconsistency in testing materials such as the asphalt content and tack coat. They have been reporting for work but have just been confined in the office.”

He said the two DPWH employees, who belong to the quality control group of DPWH-NCR, were asked “to explain their side and we are still evaluating the extent of their liability.”

DPWH Undersecretary Raul Asis added that during the investigation, they would want to determine how the alleged substandard materials were able to pass the DPWH’s scrutiny.

As for the contractor, Tokwing Construction, Tagudando said it has been barred from participating in bidding in any other DPWH project nationwide.

The DPWH earlier cancelled the accreditation of the suppliers Pacific Concrete Products, Inc. and Filipino Ready Mix Corp. because they reportedly delivered substandard asphalt that was used when the Osmeña flyover (also called Buendia flyover) first underwent repairs last May 6. The first round of repairs cost P87 million.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the decision to cancel the accreditation of the two suppliers has been questioned by some groups. “We know where the information is coming from. It is being muddled by the suppliers. We are firm in our findings, the main reason why it failed is the poor materials,” he said.

Asis said Tokwing wants to start the second round of repairs by next week instead of today and is asking for 20 days to complete the job instead of two weeks. The second round of repairs will be done without cost to the government.