Story/Photos: DULCE MAY JAPZON
Catbalogan City — The recent collapse of a section of the city wharf at Pier Uno following the onslaught of Typhoon Uwan has stirred heated debate among residents, as questions arise over accountability and the quality of government-funded infrastructure projects. ? ?
When photos of the damaged structure circulated on social media, lawyer and former city councilor Atty. Alma Uy publicly criticized the state of the ?57.95-million wharf project, calling it “another worthless project exposed by a natural calamity.”
Uy, who has long opposed the demolition of houses in the Pier Uno area, said the incident reflects “a failure of public accountability.” ?
?Mayor Dexter Uy issued a public clarification, saying the damaged portion of the wharf is not part of the ?57.95-million rehabilitation project funded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
He explained that based on official records, the affected section corresponds to a ?9.9-million project implemented by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), for which the city government had no involvement in procurement, supervision, or inspection. ?
“The City Government is not in a position to assess the project’s compliance with design standards or engineering specifications,” the mayor said.
“However, we have directed the City Engineering Office to conduct a technical evaluation to assist future investigations by the proper agencies.” ?the Mayor added.
Catbalogan City — The recent collapse of a section of the city wharf at Pier Uno following the onslaught of Typhoon Uwan has stirred heated debate among residents, as questions arise over accountability and the quality of government-funded infrastructure projects. ? ?
When photos of the damaged structure circulated on social media, lawyer and former city councilor Atty. Alma Uy publicly criticized the state of the ?57.95-million wharf project, calling it “another worthless project exposed by a natural calamity.”
Uy, who has long opposed the demolition of houses in the Pier Uno area, said the incident reflects “a failure of public accountability.” ?
?Mayor Dexter Uy issued a public clarification, saying the damaged portion of the wharf is not part of the ?57.95-million rehabilitation project funded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
He explained that based on official records, the affected section corresponds to a ?9.9-million project implemented by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), for which the city government had no involvement in procurement, supervision, or inspection. ?
“The City Government is not in a position to assess the project’s compliance with design standards or engineering specifications,” the mayor said.
“However, we have directed the City Engineering Office to conduct a technical evaluation to assist future investigations by the proper agencies.” ?the Mayor added.
.png)
Mayor Uy also stated that the local government welcomes any independent or government-led investigation into the matter and has coordinated with the PPA, DPWH, and DOTr for the immediate repair of the affected portion to ensure public safety and continuity of port operations. ? ?
Atty. Uy, however, countered the mayor’s statement, challenging him to release documents proving the city’s non-involvement.
“If the LGU truly has no liability, why not file a formal complaint with the proper agency?” she said.
She also questioned the city’s earlier demolition of homes in the area, which she claimed was justified as part of the same ?58-million project. ? ?
Online discussions have since exploded, with many residents expressing frustration over what they describe as “substandard construction” and “lack of transparency.”
Some have urged the city to hold the contractor accountable, while others demanded national agencies to step in and conduct a full audit of recent infrastructure projects in Catbalogan. ?
?For now, the damaged wharf remains cordoned off as authorities assess its structural safety. The City Engineering Office’s findings are expected to be submitted to relevant agencies in the coming days, while public pressure continues to mount for a clear and independent investigation into the incident.(CJ/jmm/DMJ)
Atty. Uy, however, countered the mayor’s statement, challenging him to release documents proving the city’s non-involvement.
“If the LGU truly has no liability, why not file a formal complaint with the proper agency?” she said.
She also questioned the city’s earlier demolition of homes in the area, which she claimed was justified as part of the same ?58-million project. ? ?
Online discussions have since exploded, with many residents expressing frustration over what they describe as “substandard construction” and “lack of transparency.”
Some have urged the city to hold the contractor accountable, while others demanded national agencies to step in and conduct a full audit of recent infrastructure projects in Catbalogan. ?
?For now, the damaged wharf remains cordoned off as authorities assess its structural safety. The City Engineering Office’s findings are expected to be submitted to relevant agencies in the coming days, while public pressure continues to mount for a clear and independent investigation into the incident.(CJ/jmm/DMJ)
