Following the collapse of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela on February 27, President Marcos has swiftly ordered an extensive investigation to determine the root causes of the incident, according to the Malacañang spokesperson.
Palace Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the probe after reports surfaced that at least six individuals sustained injuries when a 60-meter section of the bridge’s third span collapsed under the weight of a dump truck loaded with approximately 102 tons of boulders.
During an interview on Radyo Pilipinas early Saturday morning, March 1, Castro emphasized the President’s firm stance on accountability and transparency.
“I discussed this matter with the President yesterday. He is determined that a thorough investigation must be conducted to reveal any potential corruption behind this event,” Castro said, adding emphatically, “Those found liable should and will be held accountable. It is imperative that justice is served and responsibility is clarified.”
Castro underscored the necessity of precise, evidence-based inquiries, assuring the public that no potential wrongdoing will be overlooked. “Once the investigation exposes individuals responsible for negligence or corruption, they will answer to the full extent of the law, even facing imprisonment,” she stated.
Additionally, Castro issued a call to local government units (LGUs), urging proactive and diligent inspection of infrastructure projects within their respective jurisdictions.
“LGUs must take initiative. Given the plethora of responsibilities on the President’s desk, it is unrealistic to expect him to personally oversee each infrastructure project. This duty lies clearly with local authorities and their designated building officials,” Castro stressed.
She further implored local officials to collaborate extensively with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) whenever irregularities arise in infrastructure management.
Meanwhile, DPWH Region 2 has confirmed that their own investigation regarding the bridge collapse is already underway.
The Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge project began construction in November 2014 and was completed approximately a decade later, opening to traffic on February 1, 2025. The ambitious infrastructure has an estimated cost of PHP 1.22 billion, extending over 990 meters, featuring twelve arches of 60 meters and nine spans of Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder Type IVB, along with approach roadways totaling 664.1 linear meters.