Worried bishops in Manila say at least two of the city’s historic churches may undergo a structural inspection in the wake of the magnitude-9 earthquake and resulting tsunami that have devastated northeastern Japan.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said today Manila Archdiocese will evaluate Manila Cathedral in the walled district of Intramuros and the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, to assess whether they would be able to withstand a strong quake in Manila.

“We are also getting in touch [with] another architecture expert because we want to make sure [everything is safe],” said Quiapo church rector Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio in an article posted yesterday on CBCP News.

He said the parish has its own civil engineer that regularly monitors the church building.

He said even though a recent check showed the church was structurally sound, more sophisticated equipment may be needed for a more thorough examination.

Monsignor Ignacio said he wants to pay particular attention to the front part of the church which was built in the 18th century.

More recent additions to the church were completed in 1933, he added.
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