Estrada seeks probe into bridge safety after Cagayan collapse

Senator Jinggoy Estrada is pushing for a Senate investigation into the structural integrity and safety of bridges nationwide following the collapse of the 50-year-old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan.

The Piggatan Bridge, built in 1974 and deemed in "good overall condition" by the DPWH a year ago, collapsed on October 5 after three heavily loaded trucks carrying agricultural products reportedly crossed it simultaneously.

This incident marks the second bridge failure in the Cagayan Valley region within an eight-month period, raising concerns about infrastructure safety, particularly in rural and agricultural areas.

Previously, the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela, which had undergone retrofitting, collapsed in February due to being "under-designed," according to the DPWH.

Estrada filed Senate Resolution No. 153, which aims to assess current design and maintenance standards, the economic impact of such collapses, and to recommend preventive measures.

He emphasized the need for swift action to identify vulnerable structures, stating, "Hihintayin pa ba natin na may bumagsak na naman na tulay bago tayo kumilos?"