Cayetano to probe Isabela bridge collapse, questions DPWH inaction

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano will lead a Senate blue ribbon subcommittee investigation into the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, which occurred less than a month after its opening when a dump truck exceeding the weight limit attempted to cross, resulting in six injuries.

Cayetano criticized DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan for his absence from the Senate hearing and suggested that heads must roll, potentially starting with the secretary, if accountability is pursued.

He expressed disappointment in the Department of Public Works and Highways' handling of the incident, stating their actions were not "wholehearted" and that the bridge collapse was not a priority for the agency.

Cayetano warned that Bonoan would be subpoenaed if he fails to appear, and noted that the DPWH does not even have a "working theory" on the cause of the collapse after two weeks.

DPWH Undersecretary Eugenuo Pipo stated that no DPWH officials have been preventively suspended, leading Cayetano to question the agency's seriousness.

While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suggested a design flaw, Pipo clarified that the DPWH has not yet determined the cause, which could also include construction issues or overloading.

The DPWH has only conducted an ocular inspection of the collapsed bridge and has not yet analyzed its concrete.