Probe Isabela bridge collapse, flag possible corruption 鈥� ACT Teachers
A portion of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela collapsed on Thursday night, causing 4 vehicles to fall into the Cagayan River. (Photo courtesy of LGU Cabagan Square Park
MANILA, Philippines—The ACT Teachers party list is calling for a probe into the collapse of the newly retrofitted Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, raising concerns about possible corruption and substandard materials.
In a statement on Sunday, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said “it is alarming” that a bridge retrofitted for P1.22 billion last February 1 collapsed so soon, leaving six people injured including a child.
“This is not just a simple accident or negligence. We must investigate the possibility of corruption and substandard materials,” she added.
READ: 6 hurt as new bridge in Isabela collapses
READ: 4 cars fall into river as newly retrofitted bridge in Isabela collapses
Article continues after this advertisementThe bridge, which was completed in 2021 after a two-year delay, collapsed last Thursday, February 27, when a truck carrying over 100 tons of quarried stones attempted to cross, despite the 40-ton weight limit.
Article continues after this advertisementFormer ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said that while the investigation has focused on the flagman who allowed the overloaded truck to pass, authorities must also examine the materials used and possible corruption in the project’s procurement and construction.
READ: DPWH: Assessment underway on cause of Isabela bridge collapse
Castro called for a congressional inquiry to hold not just the flagman accountable, but also contractor RD Interior Jr. Construction and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials responsible for overseeing the project.
“If corruption and substandard materials are proven, they must be charged with plunder and economic sabotage,” she said in Filipino.
Tinio also pointed out that the incident is “not an isolated case.”
“We’ve seen multiple instances of newly built or rehabilitated infrastructure failing prematurely. This points to a systemic problem of corruption and lack of proper oversight in our infrastructure projects,” he added.
READ: Heads will roll after Isabela bridge collapse – Marcos
While Act Teachers welcomed Malacañang’s statement that “heads will roll,” they emphasized the need for an “independent and transparent” investigation to ensure accountability at all levels.
“If the administration is truly serious, accountability should not stop with small players but extend to top officials who were negligent or benefited from the possible anomaly,” Castro said in Filipino.
They also called for immediate safety inspections of similar infrastructure projects, particularly those handled by the same contractor, to prevent further incidents.
