Following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that shook the nations of Myanmar and Thailand, conversations on the possibility of “The Big One,”– the anticipated mega earthquake that experts believe will hit along the West Valley Fault in Luzon–resurfaced.
During the exclusive interview at Isyung Pambayan on Sunday, April 6, Bulacan 6th District Rep. Salvador “Ador” Pleyto explained that the West Valley Fault spans 100 kilometers and traverses several cities and provinces. It includes areas along Metro Manila like Quezon City, Pasig City, Marikina City, Taguig City, and Muntinlupa City.
Meanwhile, the study predicts it may also hit the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite.
“Pag nagkaroon ng magnitude 7.2 [na earthquake], mag-trigger talaga [itong The Big One]. Ibig sabihin gagalaw [o] mag-momove yung 100 km na west valley fault. Itong major portion ng west valley fault, part po ito ng tinatawag nating valley fault system,” he explained.
“Ito [ay] nagta-treverse sa Metro Manila and neighboring provinces,” he added.
As the Vice Chairman of the Public Works and Highways Committee, Pleyto urged government officials to inspect all the densely populated areas in Metro Manila. After what happened to Myanmar and Thailand, the lawmaker stood firm with this decision, stating that an immediate inspection of the country’s buildings–specifically high-rise buildings–be conducted. He also pushed for local government units (LGUs) to educate the public on earthquake preparedness.
What are the Effects?
Based on their study, which includes agencies like the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the said earthquake occurs every 400 years.
Pleyto mentioned that the last big earthquake happened in 1658. If the findings from their study accurately predict when the next big earthquake would occur in the country, then he stated it may come in 33 years. Although he assured that there is still time to prepare, the lawmaker emphasized that officials must take action now.
When "The Big One" happens, Pleyto said that 470 residential houses would be destroyed, while an estimated 30,000 people would die from the calamity.
“470 residential houses ang masisira, may mamamatay tayong 30,000 people, may mga bridges–maraming bridges ang babagsak. At ang mas nakakalungkot dito yung 4,615 km ng water distribution pipes,” he highlighted.
“Siyempre magsu-suffer itong mga breakage, masisira, at tsaka yung additional po ito dahil sa pag tayo ay nagkaroon ng malaking lindol, magkakaroon ng sunod-sunod na 500 na fires. Simulteaneous na sunog. At magkakaroon din po nanaman ng additional sa study nila ng 18,000 na mamamatay dahil sa sunog,” he added, stating that the analysis came from the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study and the Greater Manila Risk Analysis Project.
Certify As Urgent
With that in mind, the lawmaker urged the national government to certify preparations for "The Big One" as urgent. Pleyto said their study did not include high-rise buildings and other hotels, as it was conducted years ago. However, now that times have changed, he called for improved building codes to be implemented.
As a first step, he brought up Senate Bill No. 1181, or the Philippine Building Act of 2022, which pushes for the promotion of building resilience amid calamities like fire, earthquake, landslides, and other hazards.
“Uulitin ko lang po itong batas [na] An Act Regulating the Planning, Design, Construction, Occupancy and Maintenance of Buildings, Promoting Building Resilience Versus Fire, Flood, Landslides, Storm, Volcanic Eruptions, Earthquake and Multiple Hazards, Enacting A New Philippine Building Act,” he said.
He also pointed out the need for a new building act, citing the reexamination of the National Building Code of the Philippines and other laws in place.
“Dapat mayroon pa tayong bagong building act para ma-repeal na natin yung obsolete [from] 48 years ago, yung Republic Act No. 6541 at tsaka yung National Building Code of the Philippines,” he said, stating that the Senate must take action and revisit the bill.
