Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta questioned Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s claim that “rock netting and studs” were used in government projects for slope protection in landslide-prone mountains.
Marcoleta said that Magalong’s assertions were false because the government has banned the use of rock netting and studs on mountain slopes.
“Congress initiated the ban on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from using ‘rock netting and studs’ because they are not durable and a waste of public funds,” he said. “Mayor Magalong is spreading fake news because DPWH discontinued this practice last year.”
Marcoleta asked if Magalong is still using rock netting and studs for slope protection in his jurisdiction.
“Rock netting” refers to the use of nets or tarps to prevent erosion on mountain slopes, whereas “studs” are metal components that serve a similar purpose. Former Presidents Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd and Rodrigo Duterte employed this method of control.
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Magalong previously said that “rock netting and studs” are inefficient at preventing landslides and are a source of corruption among politicians.
A social media post from “Benjie Magalong – Public servant” on May 11 showed a photo of a mountain covered with net. The post said the rock netting costs P18,000 per square meter.
“No one is using rock netting and studs anymore, Mayor; you only revealed this last month,” Marcoleta said.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has hailed Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan for issuing a department directive banning all DPWH regional directors and district engineers from using nets, tarps, or metal fixtures on mountain slopes.
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