Published in its print edition on February 22 – 28, 2025
THE collapse of the third span of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria bridge in Isabela province on February 27 at eight-o-clock in the evening is a mute witness to a seeming tale of alleged corruption at one of the notorious government agencies plagued with pressing issues of controversies, graft and anomalies—the Department of Public Works and Highways.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must be true to his words that he would be adhering for a deeper investigation into the alleged potential corruption related to the construction of the said bridge in the province.
The design was flawed, which was said to be poor and weak.
Six people were injured and four cars, which include the dump truck, a motorcycle, and two SUVs, were damaged.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro earlier reiterated the order of Marcos to look deeper into the case.
The bridge required retrofitting just years after its completion. From the P900-million spent fund, it ballooned to P1.2-billion due to the retrofitting. It was said that it underwent retrofitting in 2023 to align with updated DPWH design codes aimed at strengthening the structure. Alas, it was never stronger than we are made to believe by some unscrupulous government officials.
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan was quick to dispel claims on corruption due to the bridge collapse. Netizens bombarded him with condemnation.
The bridge was actually started during the time of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in 2014 and was then continued during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
What is perplexing is why dump trucks loaded with boulders are allowed to cross the bridge despite the 40-ton capacity required for vehicles.
Pinning the blame entirely to the dump truck driver, who may face liability, and the flagman who allowed the dump truck to pass through is preposterous, if not disgusting.
If we were to bite the pep talk of the public works honchos, it is really summed up in one adage: “Too good to be true.”#
