Sagip Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta dubbed as "fake news" Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong's claim that the national government had resorted to using banned rock nettings and studs to prevent mountain landslides in its projects.

Marcoleta stressed that the Marcos administration has prohibited using the said devices on mountain slopes because they are not durable and are just a waste of public funds.

"Mayor Magalong is spreading fake news because the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) has discontinued this practice since last year," Marcoleta said.

He added that the House of Representatives was the one who suggested that rock nettings and studs not be used because of their ineffectiveness for their intended purpose.

He also questioned Magalong on whether he still uses the devices for slope protection in his jurisdiction.

Rock netting refers to placing nets or tarps on mountain slopes to prevent erosion, while studs are metal fixtures that support rocky slope surfaces.

During the past two administrations, the devices saw widespread use by the DPWH and some local government units situated in mountainous areas.

Magalong said the devices are a source of corruption among politicians, alleging many kickbacks have been made from their use.

"No one is using rock netting and studs anymore, Mayor. You only revealed this last month," Marcoleta said.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez thanked DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan for issuing a department order expressly prohibiting nets, tarps, and metal fixtures on mountain slopes by all DPWH regional directors and district engineers.