Marcos inspects failed PHP260M rock shed in Benguet, cites PHP500M restoration costs

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. inspected two infrastructure projects in Tuba, Benguet on Sunday, denouncing a PHP260-million rock shed project as 'totally useless' due to its failure to protect the slope from rock falls and landslides.

During the inspection, Marcos highlighted that despite being structurally intact after Typhoon Emong, the protection wall caused soil erosion under the road and exposed substandard foundations, leading to a collapsed section of the slope at the northern entrance of the structure.

The President expressed disappointment in the project's failure to serve its purpose, estimating restoration costs at over PHP500 million, and suggested it might be a case of economic sabotage due to substandard construction.

Marcos emphasized that local government units (LGUs) know the terrain, risks, and history of these areas better than anyone and must play a stronger role in planning and executing infrastructure projects alongside the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The President noted that the project's failure poses risks to public safety and has a direct economic impact on the local community, with livelihoods being lost due to its rapid deterioration.

An investigation will determine whether contractors or engineers should be held accountable for the substandard construction of the rock shed project.