LACSON SEEKS SENATE PROBE INTO EDSA REHAB AFTER FRESH POTHOLES EMERGE

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is calling for a Senate investigation into the rehabilitation and repair of EDSA after heavy Habagat rains exposed fresh potholes on newly rehabilitated sections of Metro Manila’s busiest highway. Lacson filed Senate Resolution No. 594, directing the Senate Committee on Public Works to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation and examine whether existing design, engineering, construction and project-management standards are adequate for major government infrastructure projects. According to Lacson, the rapid deterioration of recently rehabilitated roads raises serious questions about how expensive infrastructure projects are planned, designed and implemented. WATER VS. ASPHALT DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon acknowledged the problem after inspecting damaged portions of EDSA. Dizon said one major issue was rainwater being trapped by concrete barriers along the EDSA Busway, particularly between Estrella and Buendia. The barriers reportedly prevented water from flowing efficiently toward drainage facilities, allowing water to remain on the asphalt and contribute to its deterioration. DPWH has coordinated with the DOTr and MMDA about creating gaps or rearranging barriers to improve drainage, while damaged sections are expected to be repaired. SHOULD CONTRACTORS PAY? Lacson also pointed to contractor responsibility under the New Government Procurement Act, Republic Act No. 12009. Its implementing rules provide a one-year defects liability period from project completion until final acceptance. During that period, contractors may be required to repair, at their own expense, damage caused by inferior materials, construction defects or violations of the contract. That means taxpayers should not automatically shoulder the cost of repairing defective work if the damage falls within the contractor’s legal and contractual responsibility. ❓THE BIGGER QUESTION EDSA carries enormous volumes of traffic and requires major public investment. If newly rehabilitated pavement cannot withstand predictable Metro Manila rainfall and drainage conditions, the Senate probe could determine whether the problem involves: • inadequate drainage planning • engineering or design deficiencies • construction quality • materials used • project supervision • or failures to anticipate actual road conditions Infrastructure should not simply look new when completed. It should be designed to survive the conditions it was built for. Sources: • Senate Resolution No. 594 / Office of Sen. Panfilo Lacson • GMA News — August 10 & August 13, 2026 • Philippine Daily Inquirer — August 13, 2026 • Government Procurement Policy Board — IRR of R.A. 12009 • Republic Act No. 12009, New Government Procurement Act Disclaimer: This post summarizes publicly reported statements, government rules and a proposed Senate investigation as of August 13, 2026. The filing of a Senate resolution or the existence of road defects does not by itself establish wrongdoing, negligence or legal liability by any contractor, official or agency. Any final determination should be based on the Senate inquiry, technical assessments and applicable contracts and procurement rules.