MMDA to sue DPWH contractors over 'buried' manholes

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is preparing to file charges against contractors of Department of Public Works and Highways who “buried” nearly 700 manholes when they laid asphalt on Metro Manila roads, an official said yesterday.

MMDA legal affairs chief Rochelle Macapili-Ona said they might file the case this week. The MMDA is currently gathering evidence.

“We will press charges against them to teach them a lesson and make sure that their will be no repetition of these problems in the future,” she said during the agency’s weekly radio program over radio station dzBB. 

She said the agency will seek compensation for exemplary damages against the contractors, adding that should be held responsible for their negligence.

Earlier, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said 661 manholes have been covered, which led to heavy flooding in the metropolis during the onslaught of typhoon “Butchoy” and last week’s low pressure area.

The MMDA learned about the disappearance of the manholes after its flood control monitoring team conducted an inventory and found out that some of the manholes have been covered by asphalt, Tolentino said.

Most of the covered manholes are located in Manila and Quezon City.