The provincial government of Bulacan is urgently calling for the immediate replacement of the damaged rubber gates at Bustos Dam, because time is running out as the rainy season approaches.

Residents from low-lying areas in the province expressed frustration, likening the situation to “scrambling for bullets when war is near.” 

They claimed the provincial government had long known about the poor-quality materials used by the dam’s contractor, pointing out that Rubber Gate 5 exploded less than a year after installation — also during the month of May, a few years ago.

According to the residents, the current condition of Bustos Dam poses a “clear and present danger” to downstream towns such as Plaridel, Pulilan, Malolos, Calumpit, and Hagonoy.

Following the deflation of Gate 3 on May 1, Bulacan Governor Daniel  Fernando, who also chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), demanded accountability from the contractor for allegedly using substandard materials.

In a coordination meeting with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on May 21 at the NIA Command Center in Quezon City, Fernando called on Congress to summon the contractor — TP Construction, Inc. and Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Co., Ltd. Consortium — to explain and face investigation.

“Nananawagan ako sa kongreso, nananawagan po ako sa ating mga congressman at congresswoman, maaari po ba naipatawag natin sa kongreso ‘yang contractor na ‘yan para malaman at maimbestigahan ‘yan (I am calling on the Congress, calling on our congressmen and congresswomen, may we summon that contractor to Congress so that we can find out and investigate them)," he said, adding that NIA is the proper agency to formally request a congressional hearing.

Fernando also emphasized to NIA Board Member Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen the urgent need to replace all five remaining rubber gates before the rainy season fully sets in, as Bulakenyo farmers are already preparing their fields.

“Pagdating po ng tag-ulan, iyon po ang pinangangambahannamin. Kapag po dumating ang malalakas na ulan, na na-experience na namin noong nakaraang taon pa, magpapakawala kayo ng tubig, mamaya hindi na ‘yan makayanan ng mga natitira pang gate, bigla nang sumabog. Ano na po’ng gagawin natin? (When the rainy season arrives, that's what we fear. When the heavy rains come, which we experienced last year, you'll release water, then the remaining gates might not be able to handle it anymore and suddenly burst open. What are we going to do then?),"  he added.   

Meanwhile, Bulacan First District Representative Danilo Domingo also urged NIA to immediately use its allocated budget to replace the damaged gates, saying there’s no time to waste.

On May 7, NIA submitted a letter to the Office of the President requesting P1.5 billion in funding for the complete rehabilitation of the dam’s rubber bladders.

Second District Representative Augustina Dominique “Ditse Tina” Pancho stressed the urgency of action, noting the worsening climate conditions, extreme heat, and stronger typhoons now affecting the province.

Incoming Third District Representative Mark Cholo Violago also recommended blacklisting the contractor involved — even if it rebrands or changes its name.

In response, NIA vowed to lead the effort to resolve the issue but appealed to the provincial government for support in endorsing the case to Congress and the Office of the President, if necessary.