There is no need to replace the Hall of Justice with a new building, but it must undergo repair to ensure the safety of its occupants, according to Engr. Albert Cañete of Pert Consultancy.

The consultancy firm, however, recommended the repair of the 20-year-old building after it was assessed and found to have several cracks in the wall caused by the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that rocked Panay and Negros Islands nine months ago.

Marilou Zamora, chief of staff of the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said the assessment of the HOJ is a joint venture of three consultancy firms Pert Consultant, United Technologies Consultant Partnership and Schema Engineering and Associates.

Zamora said the group conducted structural investigation and detail engineering for repair, strengthening and bar retrofitting of the HOJ last September.

Zamora said the result of their structural investigation was forwarded to the DPWH Central Office in Manila.

The judges and employees were advised last November 22 on what repairs are needed and on the condition of the building.

Meanwhile, Senator Franklin Drilon said he will give P50 million to fund the repair of the building. He said the budget will be sourced from his “pork barrel” or Priority Development Assistance Fund while the bidding for the retrofitting is set next month.*