The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) is urging investigators to look into possible corruption behind the P1.2-billion Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge collapse in Isabela last Thursday night, which left six people injured, including a child.
House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro called for a congressional inquiry, questioning whether substandard materials or irregularities in procurement contributed to the failure of the bridge, which had just undergone retrofit work on February 1.
“It’s alarming that a newly retrofitted bridge collapsed so soon. This isn’t just negligence—corruption and poor materials must be investigated,” Castro said.
Former ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio echoed the call, pointing out that similar infrastructure failures have happened before due to lack of oversight and possible systemic corruption in government projects.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already launched an investigation, noting that the collapse happened when an overloaded dump truck carrying 102 tons of boulders crossed the bridge.
However, Castro and Tinio argue that the focus should go beyond the flagman who allowed the truck to pass, urging authorities to inspect other projects handled by the same contractor to ensure public safety.
Both Castro and Tinio are running in the 2025 midterm elections under the Makabayan coalition and ACT Teachers Party-list, respectively.