Malacañang on Saturday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into the collapse of a newly retrofitted bridge in Isabela to determine whether corruption played a role in the project’s delays and ultimate failure.
The P1.2-billion bridge, which reopened to the public on February 1, gave way Thursday night under the weight of a heavy truck. The bridge was initially set for completion in 2019 but underwent retrofitting due to structural defects, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“We spoke with the President yesterday regarding this. This will really be investigated. If there is any trace of corruption in what has happened from 2014 up to now, it really cannot go unpunished,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
Castro stressed the responsibility of local governments in maintaining public infrastructure and conducting inspections: “The President cannot personally check every bridge in the country. That is why local leaders must coordinate with DPWH if there are any issues.”
Authorities are now investigating whether substandard materials or poor construction practices contributed to the collapse. The DPWH is also working to identify the contractor responsible and assess the decision-making process that led to the bridge being reopened despite previous concerns about its durability.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bridge had mostly been used by light vehicles, such as bicycles and motorcycles, before the incident. Although no fatalities were reported, vehicles were caught in the collapse.
Investigators are also looking into whether proper weight restrictions were in place and enforced at the time.