CONTRACTORS working on government infrastructure projects, especially roadworks, may be held liable for accidents occurring in areas where safety measures are not properly implemented, warned Congresswoman Bernadette Herera, representative of Bagong Henerasyon partylist, during a general assembly in Cagayan de Oro yesterday, October10.
Herera pointed out that many accidents in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental are linked to incomplete or unattended road projects, often lacking adequate safety warning devices.
These projects, typically initiated by district representatives, have been blamed for causing road mishaps due to negligence by contractors.
“Contractors will be held accountable under their ‘contractor’s all-risk insurance’ in the event of accidents,” Herera stated, adding that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must also be held responsible for ensuring safety on ongoing projects.
“You really have to bring that up to the DPWH kasi that’s a serious concern. Medyo malaking pondo ang naka set aside for that (accidents happening in government projects,” said Herera.
Echoing Herera’s sentiments, Magsasaka sa Sakahan Kaunlaran (Magsasaka) Partylist Representative Robert Gerard Nazal encouraged those affected by accidents on government road projects to submit claims against the contractor and DPWH.
“Meron pong Contractor’s all risk insurance, kung meron pong ma aksidente pwede pong mag claim against the contractor,” said Nazal, urging contractors to install proper warning devices at construction sites to avoid negligence.
Nazal also noted that even past victims of such accidents can still file claims, provided they have police records to prove the incident.
“Kung walang mga warning devices, ngayon kung nagtitipid ang kontraktor hindi sya nag comply sa safety , kailangan nyang bayaran yong injury o yong taong naaksidente,” Nazal added.
