42 lawmakers call for Manila Central Post Office fire probe

FORTY-TWO representatives want their chamber of Congress to investigate the “disastrous” fire that razed the neoclassical Manila Central Post Office building “causing extensive damage to its historic structure, architectural elements and invaluable cultural artifacts.”

The 42 legislators, Members of the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Bloc (ACCIB) of the 19th Congress, said the probe is necessary, “considering its significance as a heritage site, with the end view of addressing the government’s intervention and mandates, as well as maximizing the government’s effort in protecting, preserving, and safeguarding our heritage sites.”

Representative Christopher de Venecia, Chair of the House Committee on Creative Industry & Performing Arts said, “There have been news reports that the historic MCPO building did not have any kind of fire suppression system or even water sprinklers.”

“It took about 30 hours to declare fire out. Apparently, this may have been a disaster waiting to happen. We will certainly take a close look to ascertain the real timeline of events from during the fire and the building maintenance and security logs,” De Venecia also said.

“Later on, we also want to know from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the GSIS, which insures government property, to identify the old buildings of the government have no fire suppression systems, especially the historic ones, including the National Museum, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Library, and the University of the Philippines,” the congressman also said.