Test of BBM's mettle

BBM had been busy inspecting failed flood control projects nationwide.

- BOO CHANCO

At the scenic Kennon Road to Baguio last Sunday, BBM said he would not leave Malacañang until he has resolved our flood control problems.

Hmmm... is he telling us he will do something about the unspeakable corruption in the conduct of public works? Or is he saying he needs a term extension because at the rate he is moving, three years is not enough to clean-up.

BBM saw how the 152-meter structure meant to protect motorists from landslides on Kennon Road had major defects, including collapsed slope protection and erosion under the road.

"You can see for yourself that this was not properly done," BBM said, noting that the P260 million spent on the project had "no effect whatsoever" in protecting the area. "Parang walang ginawa," he said.

BBM described the project's failure as economic sabotage. "It's not only the physical damage that you can see. It is also the damage to the economy. It is also the damage to the people's livelihood," he said.

BBM also criticized the use of rock netting, which he said was overpriced fourfold, with a market price of P3,200 but charged to the government at P12,000. "Kaya't malala ito," Marcos said.

The contractor of that Kennon Road project is affiliated with BBM's political party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Let us see where this goes.

BBM sounded angry enough to make us think heads will roll very soon. But our hopes were moderated by his decision to keep Secretary Manny Bonoan, who is from Ilocos Norte, at DPWH. Worse, he wants him to investigate those scandalous anomalies that happened at DPWH during his watch.