AS IF THE condition at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is not hard enough, patients and staff at the Philippine General Hospital may also have to deal with suffocation when it’s hot and flood when rain pours due to the stalled septic tank project.
In what looks more like a surprise visit, Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the P679.08-million septic tank project in the guise of “flood control” for the hospital.
Originally set to be completed on June 15, 2026, the project which began in December 2024 is far from its completion with the DPWH records showing “16 percent completed.”
DUBIOUS CONTRACTORS
According to Dizon, the project is a joint venture between Edison Development and Construction Inc. and FS Co Builders and Supply.
During the inspection, it was revealed that one of the contractors involved in the project is allegedly connected to a friend of fugitive former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co’s sister.
FS Co Builders and Supply is reportedly owned by Albay Vice Governor Farida Salcedo Co.
Meanwhile, Edison Development and Construction Inc. made headlines in 2018 after being linked to the controversial Metro Rail Transit Line 3 maintenance contract controversy, which led to its blacklisting for one year.
ONSET OF WET SEASON
Dizon expressed frustration and pointed out that the rainy season is approaching, and the delays put patients and hospital staff at risk.
Last year, PGH experienced flooding that reportedly reached parts of the interior of the already old and eerie hospital.
“Sabi ng Pangulo, our people deserve better than this. Napaka-importante nitong PGH. Nakita niyo naman gaano kadaming tao ang nagpupunta rito araw-araw. Magtatag-ulan na naman, babahain na naman,” said Dizon.
PGH Director Gerardo D. Legaspi also expressed concern over the situation.
“Yung lugar na ginagawan ng mga septic tank, nasa pagitan ng mga ward eh… yung amoy, mapabilis man lang sana para mawala na yung ganong sitwasyon ng mga pasyente,” said Legaspi.
DIZON’S ULTIMATUM
Dizon pressured the contractors to finish the project by the end of the year, whatever it takes.
“Ang importante ngayon is yung mapabilis natin yung trabaho, kasi kailangan matapos within the year. Pero para mangyari yon kailangan twenty four seven yung trabaho at magdadagdag siya, magti-times three siya ng tao,” he added.
If the contractors fail to deliver, Dizon hinted at canceling the contract.
“May mananagot dito pero tapusin muna natin yung trabaho,” Dizon told the media.
Dizon also called on the public to practice proper waste disposal, noting that garbage-clogged waterways remain one of the leading causes of flooding.
He also urged citizens to report stalled, defective, or neglected government projects so they can be immediately addressed.
According to its official page, PGH caters to over 600,000 patients annually, with many coming from far-flung provinces due to the lack of affordable tertiary healthcare options in their localities.