Cagayan de Oro City — Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct an investigation on possible irregularities in the construction of the newly opened Panguil Bay Bridge. Concerns have risen over the deterioration of the asphalt overlay, affecting motorists in the province.

In a statement addressed to Misamis Occidental residents and motorists on Thursday, Oaminal explained that while he worked hard to realize the bridge during his term as congressman of the second district, the DPWH handled the actual implementation.

“The provincial government had no involvement in the project's implementation. The DPWH only coordinated with the local government unit during the bridge's inauguration, not during its construction,” Oaminal clarified.

He emphasized that accountability for the damaged asphalt falls under the DPWH’s project management office. "We are now bringing this matter to the attention of Secretary Manuel Bonoan for a thorough investigation," he said.

Initial findings and technical issues

According to the provincial engineering office, an initial review of the asphalt deterioration revealed non-adherence to specifications. The omission of the SS-1 tack coat—a necessary adhesive layer before asphalt application—was identified as a primary factor.

SS-1 is an anionic slow-setting asphalt emulsion that bonds the existing base pavement to the new layer, ensuring durability.

Rebuttal to overloading claims

Oaminal refuted claims by the project director that overloading vehicles caused the asphalt damage. “I would like to emphasize that the Misamis Occidental side in Tangub City is strictly monitored 24/7. It is impossible for a vehicle of more than 30 tons to pass over the bridge as such a vehicle would also cause damage to the national highway, which is used by the overweight vehicles," the governor said.

Toll fee considerations

Earlier, Secretary Bonoan announced that the DPWH is studying the possibility of imposing a toll fee on the Panguil Bay Bridge to fund its maintenance. The bridge significantly reduces travel time between Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental—from over two hours using roll-on/roll-off vessels to just seven minutes.

“A study is being made to determine if a toll fee will be imposed,” Bonoan said.

Longest bridge in Mindanao

The 3.69-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge, the longest in Mindanao, was formally opened to traffic by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday. In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last 22 July, the President highlighted the bridge as the second major infrastructure project completed this year, alongside the Gicam Bridge in Zamboanga, which connects Olutanga Island to mainland Mindanao.

Before its opening, travel across Panguil Bay required a two-hour journey by boat from Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, to Ozamiz City.