Solons eye probe on MCPO fire; scrounge for restoration funds

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel Zurbano

THE Senate eyes the creation of a special committee that will oversee the rehabilitation of the Manila Central Post Office (MCPO) which was gutted by a massive 30-hour fire that broke out Sunday evening, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, at least 42 members of the House of Representatives have sought an inquiry into the MCPO fire.

In a related development, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday ordered the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to prioritize the investigation of the MCPO blaze.

“We are thinking of coming up with a special Senate committee to look after the rehabilitation of the Central Post Office building, restoration and reha-

GRADUATES IN A BUBBLE.

bilitation. So hopefully we’ll be able to have that (measure) filed and we can approve it, maybe by next week,” Zubiri said during the Senate session. Sen. Robinhood Padilla has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the MCPO fire with a view to preserving and protecting the country’s “cultural properties.”

In a social media post, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate finance committee, said he was told by Zubiri to work with the Department of Budget and Management to source out funds to help restore the MCPO.

Sen. Francis Escudero proposed however, that the funds for the rehabilitation of the MCPO building must come from proceeds of fire insurance claims

The fire that burned the iconic old neoclassical building was believedto have started in the basement and immediately spread to the top floors.

The 42 lawmakers sought the inquiry under House Resolution 1019, saying the fire has caused extensive damage to the MCPO largely revered as a historic architectural structure and an invaluable cultural artifact.

The House members said the preservation, restoration, and protection of the country’s heritage sites are of utmost importance as these contribute to the promotion of cultural tourism, the enhancement of national pride, and the turning over of history to future generations.