'Include Batangas bridge in P12-billion rehabilitation fund'

MANILA, Philippines - A senior administration lawmaker is seeking the inclusion of the repair of the Batangas bridge that collapsed at the height of typhoon “Santi” in the P12-billion rehabilitation fund that Congress recently passed.

“I am working on the inclusion of the cost of reconstruction of the Bridge of Promise in the P12-billion rehabilitation fund which Congress has just passed,” Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas said.

The rehabilitation fund was intended for victims of tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng.”

The collapsed bridge falls under Mandanas’ legislative district because it is located in Lobo town in the second district of Batangas.

Without the bridge, half of Lobo residents have almost been “immobilized.”

Mandanas estimated the total cost of repair of the bridge, as per the Department of Public Works and Highways, at around P130 million to P200 million, with an additional P70 million for the river walls needed for the abutments.

Local DPWH district engineer Winifredo Olores attributed the collapse to the debris brought by the strong current of the Calumpang River hitting the center post of the bridge at the height of Santi.

Mandanas said the collapse of the bridge has also affected local and national businesses.

According to him, 70 percent of the LPG supply for the entire country has been affected. So are the flights of flag carrier Philippine Airlines whose fuel farm tank in Batangas accounts for some 30 percent of jet fuel consumption in the country.

The delivery of cement from the two cement plants in Batangas, accounting for 30 percent of the needs of Metro Manila, is also hampered.

Furthermore, 70 percent of the plastic resin supply coming from the only operating petrochemical plant in the country is also affected, Mandanas said.

Likewise, San Miguel/Purefoods cannot also deliver flour and other grains to other areas, he added.

“Needless to say, tourism areas like Montemaria and the Submarine Garden will be inaccessible. A father and son died, but fortunately the mother, a provincial health employee, survived when their car fell (off the bridge),” Mandanas said.