DPWH: Still no preventive suspension 2 weeks after Isabela bridge collapse

Metro Manila, Philippines - There is no preventive suspension yet for any Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official after the collapse of the Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge in Isabela two weeks ago.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who presided over the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe on Friday, March 14, said the delays show the DPWH is not serious in its investigation into the incident that injured six people last Feb. 27.

“If I was the guilty person, what will I do? I’ll cover up ‘di ba [right]?” Cayetano said. “That’s why you have a preventive suspension during the investigation. Walang personalan ‘yun [It’s nothing personal],” he explained.

DPWH Undersecretary Eugenio Pipo shared that they are forming a committee in line with the investigation.

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Office Assistant Regional Director Manuel Baricaua said they are eyeing to look into the configuration of new imported trucks.

Truck overloading was among the factors earlier raised why the bridge collapsed. Baricaua, however, clarified that they cannot determine yet if the truck was overloaded because it did not pass a weigh bridge.

“We have to really upgrade our consideration with respect to the design of roads and bridges, especially on the thickness and the strength, with the entry of big trucks,” Baricaua said.

He added that they have issued a show cause order to the driver and owner of the truck to explain why they should not be held liable for the incident.

The Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge was constructed from 2014 to February this year.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.