DPWH creates committee on bridge collapse investigation
(FILE PHOTO) Crooks will fall President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed swift accountability after the shocking collapse of the newly retrofitted Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela province, a structure meant to stand as a testament to infrastructure progress. With a steely resolve, Marcos promised that ‘heads will roll’ amid public outrage.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formed a special committee to conduct an investigation into the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria bridge in Isabela, according to Palace Undersecretary Claire Castro.
Citing DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Castro said the committee is expected to report its findings by April.
“The report is due 25 April. We will check for updates; the latest expected date is 25 April,” she said in a press briefing.
There is no preventive suspension within the DPWH.
Castro added that while an investigation is ongoing, a preventive suspension would only be imposed if warranted and clarified that those outside the government are not subject to such suspensions.
She also reiterated that the DPWH chief remains at the helm of the agency and unless Bonoan is found to be directly involved, a preventive suspension would not be imposed.
She also reiterated that individuals responsible for the bridge collapse will be held accountable.
To recall, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 6 March personally inspected the Cabagan-Sta. Maria bridge a week after it collapsed.