THE collapse of the Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge in Isabela has been linked to under-design based on the initial findings of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
This raised serious concerns about structural integrity and engineering standards, prompting Malacañang to vow to hold all responsible parties accountable.
The 990-meter bridge, completed in February 2024 after a 12-year construction period spanning three administrations, collapsed on February 27 as a dump truck carrying boulders crossed.
The DPWH noted that the bridge was only designed for light vehicles, suggesting that it lacked the necessary load-bearing capacity for heavier transport.
“Based on the initial investigation, because of the earthquakes and the long passage of time, the bridge has weakened and needed retrofitting at this time. But what we are seeing is that there was an ‘under-design,’” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a Palace briefing on Wednesday.
“Liability would not only fall on the previous administration, but all of those who are responsible may face liability,” Castro added.
Despite a P1.22-billion budget and a P274.8-million retrofitting project in 2023, the bridge failed just a month after opening. Experts warn that under-design in public infrastructure leads to premature failure, increased risks, and costly repairs.
The NBI-Isabela has launched an interagency probe, with independent experts set to examine potential flaws in the bridge’s design, construction, and oversight. Survivors continue to struggle with physical injuries and financial burdens, while authorities investigate accountability failures in the project’s execution.