Cayetano calls for DPWH secy's resignation over bridge collapse

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano called for DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan's resignation during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry on Friday, March 14.

Cayetano criticized the slow investigation into the collapsed P1.2 billion Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela, which occurred less than a month after its completion and left six people injured.

The senator expressed disappointment with DPWH's lack of urgency, questioned why no one has been put under preventive suspension since the collapse two weeks ago, and suggested issuing a subpoena for Bonoan to appear before the committee.

DPWH Undersecretary Eugenio Pipo disclosed that noticeable cracks were found on 'Span 8' in May 2023, prompting retrofitting work but instead of addressing it directly, DPWH opted to bid out the retrofitting task.

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., chair of the Senate Committee on Public Works, echoed Cayetano's sentiments, emphasizing that accountability is crucial regardless of fault or negligence.