01 April 2011

DPWH: Philsports, Rizal Memorial not safe

MANILA—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) found some venues and dormitories at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City and Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMC) in Manila unsafe for spectators and athletes.


Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia said that the DPWH recommended immediate repairs of the venues and dormitories, since spectators and athletes will be at risk if a strong earthquake hits Manila.

He said they need a substantial amount of money to renovate the government-owned properties and will request Malacañang so necessary actions can be done.


“The DPWH found cracks and stains not only in the walls, but also in the floorings.

These pose dangers to our athletes and to the people who are using these facilities, especially if an earthquake occurs,” said Garcia.


“Right now, our budget is only P168 million and we don’t have any amount for infrastructure. So instead of P168 million, we may ask for something like P500 million for next year.”


Garcia said that all the necessary infrastructure projects by the PSC will now be included in their annual allocations from the General Approriations Act.


“We have to put all of these now in our GA allocations. We can defend these in Congress. We will fight it out in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). We have to defend our budget in the DBM because we need to maintain all venues in good condition and pay the salaries of all our employees, services and our utilities also,” he added.

Sun Star Cebu

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