MANILA – Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is seeking a Senate investigation into the rehabilitation and repair of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) after fresh potholes appeared on newly rehabilitated sections of the major thoroughfare following days of southwest monsoon rains.

In Senate Resolution No. 594, Lacson asked the Senate Committee on Public Works to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to review the design and engineering standards used in EDSA rehabilitation projects and determine accountability for the rapid deterioration of the road.

Lacson said the emergence of potholes only months after rehabilitation raises concerns over the planning, design, construction and management of costly public infrastructure projects.

He noted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been receiving funding under its Asset Preservation Program to improve national roads and make them more resilient to natural disasters.

The senator also cited the government’s decision in 2025 to suspend the planned full rehabilitation of EDSA to explore faster construction methods, reduce traffic disruptions and incorporate updated technologies.

In December 2025, the DPWH announced that the EDSA rehabilitation would use advanced Japanese road technology, with the project expected to accelerate repairs, improve road durability and reduce the original estimated cost from PHP17 billion to PHP6 billion.

The first phase, covering the stretch from Roxas Boulevard to Orense Street, was awarded to Readycon Trading & Construction Corp. for PHP1.183 billion under a 180-calendar-day contract. The DPWH said the phase was completed in April 2026, two months ahead of schedule.

The second phase, covering Orense Street to Monumento in both directions, was awarded in May to Readycon in a joint venture with Dumduma Construction & Trading Corp. The project has a contract value of about PHP4.009 billion.

Lacson also cited DPWH Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon’s inspection of the newly rehabilitated sections where potholes had appeared. Dizon reportedly remarked, “Dapat na-anticipate natin ito ah. Barado eh, oh?”

The senator pointed to drainage as a potential factor, recalling former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson’s observation that water is the enemy of asphalt and that inadequate drainage can contribute to road deterioration.

Lacson also cited Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, which requires sufficient and duly approved detailed engineering investigations, surveys and designs before infrastructure projects can be bid out and awarded.

He noted that the law also provides a one-year defects liability period for infrastructure projects, during which contractors may be required to repair, at their own expense, damage caused by inferior materials, construction defects or violations of contract terms.

Lacson said Congress should determine whether contractors complied with the applicable design and engineering standards and whether DPWH properly exercised its mandate in implementing the Asset Preservation Program.

“It is imperative for Congress to review the mandate of the DPWH in setting the necessary standards and the specifications, including those that have been foreseen and are foreseeable, in the designs and construction of our public works,” Lacson said.