Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon raised concerns over the suspected use of substandard construction materials following the collapse of a perimeter wall along the northbound lane of EDSA Ayala, adjacent to Forbes Park in Makati City.
The incident occurred during heavy downpours, scattering debris across two northbound lanes and choking traffic down to just one or two passable lanes.
Inspecting the site alongside Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III, Dizon noted that the collapsed partition was made of drywall rather than solid concrete, despite being designed to look like it.
”Hindi ito semento. Hardiflex lang ito, drywall lang ito. Parang, ang nangyari dito, kung sino man ang gumawa nito, pinapalabas nila na semento, pero hindi naman pala semento,” Dizon said.
Dizon explained that the lightweight material was structurally inadequate to retain the soil piled behind it. Rain saturated the earth, drastically increasing its weight and pushing through the fragile barrier.
”May lupa. Siyempre, kung uulan ng malakas, tuluy-tuloy, mapupuno ng tubig ‘yong lupa, bibigat ‘yong lupa, bibigay ‘yan. Kasi nga, ano lang, ito lang. Ito, pwede kong putulin ito (Hardiflex) e. Pinutol ko na nga ito sa kamay ko,” he said.
Preliminary findings suggest the section was a private extension built on top of an existing property wall rather than a government infrastructure project. Dizon urged local authorities to investigate the ownership, construction date, and building permits of the structure.
”Ang kailangan natin malaman, sino at kailan dinagdag ito? At ang makakasagot nito, ang City Engineering ng Makati. So, we will investigate that together with MMDA. Kasi, delikado ito. Kung ito bumagsak, may naglalakad d’yan?” he said.
He warned that the remaining standing portions still pose an imminent hazard to motorists and pedestrians along EDSA, adding that those responsible face legal liability—particularly if injuries or fatalities are confirmed.
The MMDA responded after receiving reports via its 136 hotline and confirming the road obstruction through CCTV footage.
”Nag-dispatch na kami ng mga tao dahil nakita namin na one lane na lang natira sa EDSA. So, bumagsak at cinlear na lang namin muna ‘yong mga debris,” Torre explained.
While no casualties have been confirmed, Torre noted that poor visibility during the storm requires a thorough review of CCTV footage.
”Nire-review namin ang CCTV kanina, medyo madilim. Kung may naglalakad ngayon d’yan, hindi namin sigurado,” he said.
MMDA responders used extrication equipment to dismantle the tubular metal framing and drywall, pushing debris to the shoulder to restore partial traffic flow.
Joint clearing operations between the DPWH and MMDA will continue around the clock over the weekend, with officials targeting full resolution by Monday.