Chiz: Let DPWH lead probe on bridge collapse

MANILA, Philippines — As it has the technical expertise, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should lead the investigation into the collapse of the newly opened Cabagan-Sta. Maria bridge in Isabela, Senate President Francis Escudero said yesterday.
The DPWH itself, however, is under fire over the collapse of the bridge, whose construction was under the agency's supervision.
In a press conference, Escudero said the DPWH central office “should take the lead” in the probe, noting that “they supervise government-funded infrastructure projects, so they are in the best position to assess what went wrong.”
“However, accountability must be established before proceeding. If the contractor violated standards, they should be held liable. But if they followed the design and the fault lies there, then liability falls elsewhere. Contractors should have warranties, but if the design itself is defective, the responsibility shifts,” he said.
The Senate, Escudero said, might step into the probe, which should determine accountability and the cause of the collapse.
He noted that overloading, which was initially cited as the reason by the DPWH, could have also contributed to the collapse.
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