Koko hits demolition of cement roads with
asphalt overlays; says they are still usable

Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today described as "unnecessary wastage of precious public funds" the indiscriminate demolitions of cement roads with asphalt overlays in the metropolis although they are "still completely usable."

In a press statement, Pimentel said the practice is wrong and he would call for a Senate probe of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to determine why it has allowed the demolition of usable roads to continue.

Even in urban centers outside of Metro Manila, he said, the demolition of cement roads with asphalt overlays that are still in good condition are also taking place to give way for the construction of concrete roads by the DPWH.

In Iloilo City, the newly asphalted Sen. Benigno Aquino Avenue built only two years ago for the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum has been excavated in lieu of a new road concreting project by the DPWH Region 6 office.

This practice is highly questionable, he said, adding, "our public works people are spending public money as if it is going out of style tomorrow to the prejudice of many rural areas where these projects are badly needed."

"This should not happen in the administration of President Duterte. There are more bad roads that need immediate repair in other parts of the country," he said.