Senate panel tells DPWH to submit report on Isabela fallen bridge

The Senate Committee on Public Works has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways to submit a report on the recent collapse of a portion of the newly built Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, its chairperson Senator Bong Revilla Jr. said on Tuesday.

Revilla said the committee was ready to conduct a hearing on the fallen bridge which was completed in February 2024 and cost P1.2 billion.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III's resolution urging the appropriate Senate committee to investigate the "recurring incidents of collapsing bridges" across the country.

The investigation aims to seek accountability "from all public officials, contractors, and other parties involved" and to assess the adequacy of current infrastructure policies.

"The Committee on Public Works is ready to hear Proposed Senate Resolution No. 1319 filed by Senator Koko Pimentel if and when it is referred to the Committee," Revilla said.

"In the meantime, I have directed the DPWH to submit a report," he added.

Similar to the objective of Pimentel's resolution, Revilla said "heads must roll" over the incident.

The Department of Public Works and Highways has already launched an investigation into the Isabela bridge which is worth  P1,225,537,087.92. Its construction began in November 2014 and was completed a little over a year ago on February 1, 2024. –NB, GMA Integrated News