MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into a bridge in Isabela province that collapsed the same month it was opened to the public.
According to Presidential Communication Undersecretary Claire Castro, the Chief Executive wants to know if there is a corruption involved in the construction of the bridge, which started in 2014.
“Nagkausap kami ni Pangulo regarding this. Ito talaga ay papaimbestigahan,” Castro said in an interview over the weekend.
“Kapag nalaman natin kung sino ang mayroong pagkakamali dito at may bahid nga ng korapsyon…ay dapat…managot, makulong,” she added.
A portion of the P1.22-billion Cabagan-Sta. Maria bridge — which was completed in February 1, 2025 after more than 10 years of construction — collapsed late Friday, reportedly after a truck weighing 102 tons passed through.
The incident injured at least six people, including a minor, and left four vehicles damaged.
Initial information from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed that the 990-meter bridge’s construction started in November 2014 by R.D. Interior, Jr. Construction firm.
Castro said the bridge was supposed to be completed in 2019, but was delayed after several defects were flagged.
“May nakitang depektibo kaya nagkaroon ng retrofitting. Siyempre kapag sinabi mong retrofitting, ibig sabihin may problema na dati pa ‘di ba,” Castro said./PN
