A lawmaker is demanding accountability following the partial collapse of the newly constructed P1.2-billion Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, which injured six people, including a child.
The incident occurred Thursday night when a dump truck carrying approximately 102 tons of boulders crossed the bridge, causing the third span from the Cabagan side to give way. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has launched an investigation into the collapse.
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. called for those responsible to be held accountable, urging DPWH to blacklist and penalize the contractor while ensuring repairs are done at no additional public cost. He also emphasized that DPWH engineers overseeing the project should face consequences for any lapses.
“Billions are spent on public infrastructure, and the minimum requirement should be structural integrity. Hindi maaari ang trabahong basta na,” Revilla stressed.
The DPWH has enlisted experts from the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Construction to conduct a thorough evaluation. The bridge had undergone retrofitting in March 2023 to improve seismic resilience, but the excessive weight of the dump truck appears to have played a crucial role in the collapse.