A deeper investigation into the recent collapse of the newly retrofitted Cabagan – Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela province is being considered, Malacañang said on Wednesday.
In a media briefing, Palace press officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary Claire Castro said a thorough investigation is needed, since initial findings have shown that the bridge was “underdesigned” and could only accommodate light vehicles.
“Nagkaroon na po talaga ng imbestigasyon but it’s initial investigation. Ang nakikita po, sabi nga po natin, ito ay nag-start noong 2014 at lumalabas po na 90 percent ay naisagawa po ito sa panahon po ni dating pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte,” Castro said.
“Titignan po talaga ‘yung sinasabing under design. Ano ‘yung naging cause kung bakit hindi kakayanin ‘yung mga heavy vehicle. Lumalabas nga po sa initial design, pang-light vehicle lang siya,” she added.
Castro said the owners of heavy trucks that passed over the bridge may also be held liable.
This, as she stressed that trucks with boulders are aware that the bridge is designed to only carry light vehicles.
“Nagkaroon po talaga ng hindi tama noong dumaan. Hindi naging maayos,” Castro said.
“Hindi lamang po ang nakaraang administrasyon ang puwedeng panagutin dito. Lahat po, hanggang sa ngayon, kung sino po ang maaaring may liability dito, kung meron man, lahat pong iyan ay dapat managot,” she added.
The third span of the Cabagan – Sta. Maria Bridge, measuring 60 meters, collapsed at about 8 p.m. on Feb. 27 when a dump truck with 102-ton boulders went over the bridge.
Six persons on board four vehicles, including a child, were injured when the bridge collapsed.
The construction of the bridge commenced in November 2014 and was completed on February 1, 2025 with a total cost of P1.22 billion, including the bridge and approaches.
The contractor of the bridge is R.D. Interior Junior Construction. (PNA)