During the continuation of the  joint hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee with the Committees on Civil Service, Government Reorganization, and Professional Regulation, senators raised urgent concerns about the safety of government infrastructure after revelations on the prevalence of “substandard” projects in flood control programs.

Former DPWH Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez admitted that some flood control projects fall below expected standards. He defined substandard as “mas mababa [ang quality] at mas mura,” describing it as cheaper projects with compromised quality. 

Hernandez also revealed troubling budget constraints. In some flood control initiatives, only about 30% of the allocated funds are actually spent on construction. For buildings, he estimated that only 50% of the intended construction budget remains after deducting other expenses.

This disclosure alarmed Sen. Erwin Tulfo, who pressed Hernandez on the implications for public safety. He questioned the structural integrity of government buildings, especially schools and hospitals, that were to face natural disasters.

“So, ibig mong sabihin… kapag nagkaroon ng earthquake, how safe are we in government infrastructures now, lalo na yung mga gawa niyo sa Bulacan?” Tulfo asked, painting a grim scenario of children and patients dying in collapsing facilities during earthquakes of intensity 5 or 6.

Hernandez responded by clarifying that engineers still follow the official plans designed by agencies. However, he admitted that alterations in bidding programs have led to bloated budgets and diminished resources for actual construction. 

Hernandez responded by clarifying that they are following the plan designed by the agencies. They are not revising the plan, but rather they are changing the program that they use in bidding to make the budget bigger for all other expenses. 

When pressed again by Tulfo about the safety of the buildings, Hernandez cautiously replied, “Hindi naman po sana, your honor.”

‍