Aquino to DTI: Ensure no substandard construction materials in market

PAMPANGA. Otso Diretso re-electionist Senator Bam Aquino meets with former City Administrator Fer Caylao and other supporters at the Everybody's Cafe, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Wednesday, April 24, 2019. (Chris Navarro)
PAMPANGA. Otso Diretso re-electionist Senator Bam Aquino meets with former City Administrator Fer Caylao and other supporters at the Everybody's Cafe, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Wednesday, April 24, 2019. (Chris Navarro)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV told the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday, April 24, to ensure that no substandard and mislabelled construction materials will be released into the market.

His recommendation came after the collapse of the Chuzon Supermarket in Porac town seconds after Monday's (April 22) earthquake, raising questions considering that other establishments in its vicinity remained intact.

Authorities suspected that substandard materials were used in the construction of the four-storey building. The building permit was only for two floors.

"Noong nangyari ang Bohol earthquake (2013), nag-investigate din kami noon at nakita namin na maraming substandard o mislabelled na building materials sa merkado. Mahalaga na ma-aksyunan ito ng DTI at ng mga authorities natin na ang ating mga hardware suppliers ay dapat labelled ng maayos ang mga produkto na binebenta nila," Aquino said.

The re-electionist senator said the availability of substandard or mislabelled construction materials in the market poses a huge threat to the public, as it puts risk on the safety of the public during times of calamity.

He said the public must also be educated on the purpose of the building code and the importance of using the correct materials in building their houses and other establishments.

"Iyong iba kasi, dahil mura iyon ang bibilhin pero hindi natin naisip na kahit mura, delikado naman, so may alam tayo sa mga ganitong bagay dahil buhay din po natin ang nakataya sa ganitong pagkakataon," he said.

Meanwhile, Aquino said the safety and security of those affected by the earthquake must be prioritized and all investigations, including the

truth behind the collapse of the Chuzon Supermarket building, may follow.

"Ang pinaka-importante ngayon ay masiguro muna natin na ligtas na ang

lahat at matapos na iyong rescue operations doon sa gumuhong gusali tapos doon na natin isipin iyong iba pang bagay," he said.

Aquino said he already talked to Porac Mayor Carling dela Cruz during his visit Wednesday, April 24, for possible assistance he can extend to the municipality.

"Nabanggit niya iyong mga nasirang mga eskwelahan dahil sa lindol kung maaari ay mairepair kaagad so sana doon makatulong tayo," he said.

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