By Dhel Nazario
All buildings "erected” and “under construction” in the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex in Pasay City including the grounds, pavements, and rocks remain “intact and have no sign of structural damage and cracks” said Pasay City Engineering technical inspectors.
(Alvin Kasiban / MANILA BULLETIN)
This was after the Pasay City government ordered the city engineer to inspect the SM MOA Complex following a chain message circulating on social media claiming that the mall's building foundations weakened after the Taal Volcano eruption.
The team of engineers Renato Sanchez, Danilo Lucanas, Edgar Balauag, Nebuchadnezzar Aromin, and Crisanto Martinez conducted a motu proprio inspection and investigation last Jan. 14 to check if the foundations of the SM MOA complex have been compromised to pose imminent danger of possible collapse, as indicated in the chain message.
“The piles of rock in the seawall are intact and have no sign of movements,” City Engineer Edwin Javaluyas said in his report submitted to Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano through City Administrator Attorney Dennis Bernard Acorda on Jan. 16.
SM Supermalls has described the chain message as “patently false."
“The foundation of the SM Mall of Asia Complex is built on concrete piles that reach the bedrock and will withstand extreme situations,” SM Supermalls said in a statement. “We also have rigorous annual checks to ensure the safety of the buildings so at no time will the safety of our customers, tenants and employees be compromised."
READ MORE: MOA management denies as ‘hoax’ rumors mall is unsound after Taal eruption