Judge to DPWH: Eastern Samar bad roads, an insult to its people

By ALICE NICART (PIA Eastern Samar)
December 5, 2008

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar  –  “We respectfully disagree that the weather is the culprit of our bad roads.  As if we do not have a government! This is so much an insult to the people of Eastern Samar and we hold the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) responsible, but it always understands the contractor, why?”

These were the fuming words cum impromptu speech of San Julian Municipal Judge Reynaldo “Lulo” Alconaba during the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) Assembly on Wednesday at the Provincial Capitol as he referred to the worsening road condition of the province.

Apparently addressing his manifestation to the DPWH which was solely represented in the forum by Engineer-III, Tili Sabulao of ES District, Alconaba argued that it is not always raining in the province as what is always heard of DPWH men as an alibi for the very slow rehabilitation of the road network.

“Sometimes the weather is fair and sunny! Huwag niyo na kaming lokohin! I am an ordinary citizen but I travel everyday to San Julian, my goodness! Kung intact ang pera bakit hindi na-i-implement ang project? Ang hirap diyan may mga 40% daw na cut-off from the total cost of the project which goes to private pockets.  I donno! Pokpokin niyo ang contractor, ask him kung hindi niya kaya. And if it is necessary, let us replace the district engineer and the regional director or anybody who does not perform his assignment”, Alconaba’s frankness continued.

Engr. Sabulao who was sitting across their “accuser” was very professional though and remained silent until he was asked for comment, and, as in previous assembly of this kind, he was consistent to say that any project involving beyond P20M is not of their District’s concern but of the Region’s.

A few minutes after, the Municipal Judge was somewhat apologetic to his Kumpadre and clearly said, “I don’t want to hear your reasoning, but of course, I am not taking it personally against you but please tell your boss, diri rason it uran”.