CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Governor Henry Oaminal Sr. of Misamis Occidental has formally requested that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conduct an investigation into the contractors responsible for the PHP 7.3 billion Panguil Bay Bridge, following reports of asphalt road damage occurring merely two months post-opening.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Oaminal indicated that a technical evaluation conducted by the provincial team revealed that the construction did not adhere to the original project specifications, particularly the omission of an SS-1 tack coat intended to bond the layers of asphalt.
He has urged DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to examine these lapses and hold the joint venture firm accountable for the reported irregularities.
Governor Oaminal also emphasized that the Misamis Occidental approach to the bridge in Tangub City is being monitored continuously via a weighbridge, ensuring compliance with the prescribed 30-ton vehicle weight limit.
“It is inconceivable for a vehicle exceeding 30 tons to traverse the bridge, as any such occurrence would have inevitably resulted in damage to the national highway,” he articulated.
The 3.77-kilometer bridge, which connects the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, was inaugurated on September 27.
By late November, images and videos depicting the asphalt damage circulated on social media, leading to DPWH initiating repairs in early December.
To mitigate further damage, DPWH-Lanao del Norte District Engineer Ali Khan Ali has announced that the portable weighbridge on their side of the bridge will operate continuously to restrict vehicle loads.