Isabela bridge collapse probe should look at possible corruption — ACT

The investigation into the partial collapse of the newly constructed P1.2-billion Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela should also delve into possible corruption in the procurement and construction processes of the said infrastructure, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said Sunday. 

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro called for a congressional inquiry to determine accountability at all levels —- from the contractor to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who approved and supervised the project.

Castro and former ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said a comprehensive investigation into the bridge’s collapse must be done, alleging that corruption and substandard materials, and not just negligence, may have caused the incident. 

“Nakaka-alarma na ang isang P1.22 billion na bridge na kaka-retrofit lang noong February 1 ay gumuho kaagad. Hindi ito simpleng aksidente o kapabayaan lamang. Kailangang silipin ang posibilidad ng corruption at substandard materials,” Castro said in a statement.

(It’s alarming that a P1.22 billion bridge that was just retrofitted on February 1 has already collapsed. This is not just a simple accident or mere negligence. We need to examine the possibility of corruption and substandard materials.)

The incident, which occurred last Thursday night, resulted in injuries to six people, including a child.

The DPWH has initiated a probe into the incident, noting the third span of the bridge from the Cabagan side collapsed after a dump truck carrying boulders, weighing approximately 102 tons, traversed it.

Tinio, meanwhile, stressed that while authorities are currently focusing on the flagman who supposedly allowed the overloaded truck to cross the bridge, the investigation should also extend to the quality of materials used and the possible corruption in the procurement and construction processes.

“This is not an isolated case. We've seen multiple instances of newly built or rehabilitated infrastructure failing prematurely. This points to a systemic problem of corruption and lack of proper oversight in our infrastructure projects,” he added.

Castro is running for senator in the 2025 midterm elections under the Makabayan coalition, while Tinio is seeking a House comeback as the ACT Teachers Party-list’s first nominee.

Both of them called for immediate safety inspections of all similar infrastructure projects, especially those handled by the same contractor of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge, to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety. — Giselle Ombay/RF, GMA Integrated News

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