MANILA — The Quezon City government is investigating whether a telecom antenna installed on a building wall along Tomas Morato Avenue weakened the plaster that fell and injured three Grade 7 students on Tuesday.
Atty. Carlo Austria, city legal officer, said Wednesday the city government will also look into whether the building developer, the unit tenant, or the antenna installer should be held liable for the incident
“Hindi na po maganda yung kalagayan po ng palitada na yun, yung pagkadikit niya sa estraktura… nagchecheck po kami kung yung pagka-install po ng antenna is nakaapekto doon sa integridad ng palitada kaya bumigay,” Austria said.
(The plaster was in bad condition. We are checking if the installation of the antenna affected the plaster’s integrity)
Austria said the city inspected the building in March 2025, but no report was issued about the antenna.
He added that the homeowners’ association of the bulding had repeatedly asked the developer and the company that installed the antenna to remove it.
A July 2025 demand letter identified the potential risks and compliance issues of the installation, but the recipients allegedly took no action.
Austria said the city may file regulatory violations related to the National Building Code or to local building ordinances.
“Pwede rin po yung pamilya magkaso in case of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Physical Injuries,” Austria said.
(The family could also file a compaint)
The Department of the Building Official, which implements building regulations, has ordered the building owner to install a canopy and replace the plaster to prevent similar incidents.
ABS-CBN News is still seeking the side of the developer and the company that installed the antenna.
FAMILY SEEKS JUSTICE, FINANCIAL HELP
Carla Baldonado, mother of one of the victims, said her son CJ was walking home from school with two friends when plaster fell from the building’s facade.
“Nakatayo yung isang bata, tapos ang ginawa daw ng anak ko, tinulak yung bata para hindi mabagsakan. So yung anak ko yung napuruhan talaga… so kailangan siya i-ICU,” she said.
(A child was standing there, so my son pushed him out of the way. But my son was the one who was injured and had to be brought to the ICU)
CJ sustained a severe head injury but underwent a successful operation on Wednesday.
CJ’s father, Jason, said the doctor was optimistic.
“Under observation na lang kami sa pagheal niya kung paano magrerespond ang katawan niya,” said his father, Jason Baldonado.
(He will be under observation as he heals to see how his body will respond)
The Baldonado family is asking for prayers and help with rising medical costs, which have reached P81,000.
“Sa ICU, ang magiging bill niya everyday is P30,000-50,000,” Carla said.
(We will be billed P30,000-P50,000 every day he is in the ICU)
PARENTS INTEND TO SUE
Percival Sanchez and Michelle Balasbas, parents of two of the victims, said one of their sons suffered minor injuries while the other remains in critical condition and will undergo surgery.
“Seeing our sons go through so much pain and suffering is too heavy to bear, and we cling to the Lord Almighty as we plead for our sons’ healing and full recovery. We ask for prayers as we go through this most difficult time. We likewise ask for prayers for their friend and his family,” their statement read.
They intend to file charges against those allegedly responsible for the incident.
“We also request that the investigation of this horrible incident be expedited and that all the relevant national and local government agencies see to it that those who have been negligent in their duties and responsibilities be held criminally and civilly liable. Legal remedies are options that we will seriously consider,” they added.
The Quezon City LGU assured the family of financial support and aid in seeking justice.
