DINALUPIHAN, Bataan- The Department of Public Works and Highways and the Local Government Unit here did not allow the removal of the World War II monument at the Layac junction of this town.
“The Hanjin, contractor of the more than P100 Million road widening project along the San Fernando-Olongapo-Gapan road-did not remove the monument after learning that the LGU here will not allow it,” said DPWH District engineer Magrara Dimalawang.
Engr. Dimalawang however lamented the slow work of the Hanjin, earning the ire of local officials and motorists going to Bataan, Olongapo and Zambales from Metro Manila. Motorists have long been complaining about the poorly maintained strategic highway here but the Department of Public Works and Highways 1stengineering district explained that since it is a national project, involving a big amount, the local DPWH engineering office has no jurisdiction over it.