The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recommended the temporary closure of the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila due to structural defects that were found by DPWH officials following an ocular inspection of the building Wednesday.

DPWH Assistant Secretary Raul Asis, who heads the Task Force on Building and Bridge Inspection, said the building was deemed “unsafe” because there were “spalling of concrete at roof slabs exposing corroded rebars and cracks on some of its columns.”

“A very viable solution to it is to replace the slabs to ensure the safety of those who will gather in the (Quirino) Grandstand. But before doing so, we have to validate our assessment on the structural stability of the building and come up with solutions,” Asis told reporters.

DPWH findings showed that the building, which was built in the 1930's and has a floor area of 3,800 square meters, has also cracks on masonry walls, and concrete sun-brakers that need immediate repair.

“It's much-needed repair is worth P50 million and it could even be more depending on the result of our detailed evaluation. It will be locally funded,” DPWH director Edilberto Tayao for Metro Manila operations, said in a separate interview.

Aside from the Quirino Grandstand, the newly formed Task Force, which is made up of building experts, also inspected other infrastructure such as the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), South Super Highway Bridge, M. Roxas High School, and Nagtahan Flyover, all located in Manila.

Tayao said DPWH has checked their safety except for the South Super Highway Bridge which is rated in worse shape and is in urgent need of improvements.

“This bridge really needs to undergo retrofitting because it's is not even suitable for heavy vehicles aside from it can't withstand a strong earthquake. It can collapse anytime if it is not repaired,” the official stressed.