DPWH's Bonoan apologizes for skipping Senate probe into collapsed Isabela bridge

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan apologized Wednesday to the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee for skipping the first hearing of the panel’s investigation into the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela.

“I also wish to extend my sincere apologies for my inability to attend the hearing on March 14, 2025 due to urgent matters that required my personal presence in the Regional Development Council VIII meeting with the President presiding himself,” Bonoan said in his opening statement during the continuation of the probe.

 “Although I was unable to be present during the last hearing, I have been closely monitoring the proceedings remotely and with the dialogue with my colleagues in the department,” he added.

Bonoan said he was “particularly mindful” of the recommendations raised by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who led the probe, specifically the with regard to the appointment of a single person or entity to spearhead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bridge’s collapse.

He informed the committee of the creation of a DPWH panel that will provide “comprehensive and in-depth” investigation of the incident.

The result of the said investigation is expected on or before April 25, he added.

Bonoan committed that the DPWH will provide the Senate panel a copy of the report once they are done with the investigation.

Last March 14, Cayetano suggested the removal of Bonoan over his repeated absence in several public works-related investigation in the Senate.

The Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge partially collapsed on February 27, injuring six individuals. The DPWH reported that the bridge's capacity was limited to 44 tons, far less than the 100-ton truck that crossed it.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the site a week later, suggesting a "design problem" was to blame.

However, the bridge's engineer refuted this, asserting the structure followed the Bridge Code of the Philippines. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News