Open pits on the road, children falling in, and officials slow to act — who should be held responsible?

This was the disturbing reality raised on ‘Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda’ (CIA with BA), as residents asked whether they could sue the government for leaving unfinished drainage works that continue to endanger lives.

Cherielyn sought advice after her eight-year-old son fell into a large pit left uncovered in their neighborhood. “Bigla po siyang tinulak. ‘Di ko naman po masisisi kasi 5 years old pa lang po ‘yon. So nahulog po ‘yung anak ko,” she shared.

She was grateful that no sharp metal rods were inside the hole. “Buti na lang po ‘yung butas na ‘yon, wala po siyang bakal. Pinagpasensyahan ko po ‘yung bata pero sinabi po nung mga kapitbahay dun sa nanay,” she added.

Days later, however, her son retaliated, pushing the younger child into the same pit. This sparked conflict between Cherielyn and the child’s mother, turning the drainage hazard into a community dispute.

Other residents also suffered. “May nahulog na [ring] naka-bike. May nahulog nang bata na nagka-leptospirosis… Tapos may nahulog po na aso,” she revealed, frustrated that barangay complaints had yet to bring action.

Senator Alan Cayetano explained that the law clearly holds authorities accountable. “Nasa batas ‘to mismo… pagka ganyan na may mga butas, mga manhole na naka-open, at meron naaksidente at kasalanan [ng gobyerno] kasi nga iniwan na bukas, pwede mong [idemanda] ‘yung gobyerno,” he said.

He clarified that liability falls on the LGU if the road or drainage is under local jurisdiction, or the DPWH if it is part of a national project. He also called it a wake-up call for government officials to prioritize public safety.

Finally, Cayetano advised citizens to act responsibly but not stay silent. “At ang isa kong advice sa ating mga citizens, just be respectful pero i-post niyo rin [sa social media],” he reminded.

CIA with BA, hosted by siblings Sen. Alan and Pia Cayetano with Boy Abunda, airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. (Robert Requintina)