Lacson backs probe of collapsed Isabela bridge

Former senator Panfilo ''Ping'' Lacson supported the investigation of the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela province. 

"The purpose of the investigation should be not just to save public funds but to ensure the safety of people's lives," Lacson said in a radio interview.

He recalled that when he was in the Senate, he reviewed the implementation of roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects implemented in the past years.

"When I was in the Senate, we would review projects not only one or two years back, but three to four years. We see in many cases the wrong implementation of the infrastructure projects," he said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways has yet to identify the reason for the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, but authorities are also looking into the stability of the bridge’s design.

Meanwhile, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who is seeking a return to the Senate, vowed to push for legislation that would increase the benefits of barangay workers.

Both Lacson and Pacquiao are running the administration's slate Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas

In a meeting with the Liga ng mga Barangay in Romblon and local officials in Cebu, Pacquiao highlighted the role of barangay workers and frontliners in maintaining peace and order, delivering essential government services, and safeguarding the welfare of communities.

“Ang mga barangay ang unang takbuhan ng ating mga kababayan sa oras ng pangangailangan. Sila ang nasa harapan sa laban kontra krimen, sa disaster response, at sa pagtiyak na may tulong ang mga mahihirap. Oras na para bigyan natin sila ng tamang suporta at proteksyon,” Pacquiao said in a press release. 

Pacquiao also vowed to push for legislation that will increase honoraria, provide healthcare benefits, and strengthen the security of tenure for barangay officials and workers.

The boxing icon also ensured the full implementation of the Mandanas Ruling once he returned to the Senate. 

The so-called Mandanas ruling expands the local government units' internal revenue allotment share to all national taxes including those collected by the Bureau of Customs.

The Supreme Court ruling favoring increased allocation of taxes to LGUs stemmed from the petition filed by then Batangas Representative Hermilando Mandanas.

Senator Pia Cayetano, another Alyansa bet, went to Cavite where she met with Governor Athena Tolentino. They discussed their shared advocacies for women empowerment and the significance of having more women as leaders in society. —Anna Felicia Bajo/LDF, GMA Integrated News

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