By: Villamor C. Visaya Jr.
(Published in its print edition on July 19 – 25, 2025)
AS the rainy season comes in, the collapse of the ill-fated Cabagan–Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela has almost left the minds of the people who once abhorred the “corruption” of some public works officials and “flawed design” associated with it.
In contrast to the still serviceable overflowing concrete bridge, the P1.225-billion bridge had barely been used before its collapse.
Now, nothing has come out of the series of investigations by both the executive and legislative branches of government.
Dubbed then as an iconic or aesthetic bridge, it was started during President Benigno Aquino III’s term but was finished during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Its designer, Albert Cañete, was then tagged as also liable for the flawed design that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson had adopted in 2012.
Long overdue when finished in 2021, “structural defects” were detected, forcing the government to have final retrofitting by contractor, R.D. Interior Junior Construction.
Yet, the bridge had collapsed on February 27, 2025 despite the retrofitting.
Fast forward to present, nothing has been heard from the billion-peso “white elephant” project.
Sad reality.#
