‘Underdesign’ eyed in Isabela bridge collapse

MANILA, Philippines —   Investigators are looking into “underdesign” as the possible cause of the collapse of the newly opened Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, which left six people injured and another missing, Malacañang said yesterday.

This developed as the government continued to dig deeper into the collapse of the P1.22-billion bridge and vowed to hold accountable all people found responsible for the incident.

Citing results of an initial investigation, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said 90 percent of the bridge was completed during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Castro said that investigation showed the bridge was possibly “underdesigned” and could only accommodate light vehicles.

The bridge collapsed on Feb. 27 after three trucks loaded with boulders and weighing 102 tons tried to cross the ramp.

“They are looking into the underdesign. What was the cause and how come it could not withstand heavy vehicles?” Castro said at a press briefing.

“According to (Public Works) Secretary (Manuel) Bonoan, the company that owns the trucks may be accountable because the vehicles passed through the bridge successively. It’s not just the previous administration that could be (held) liable here. It’s everyone – those who may have liability should be held into account,” she said.

Castro clarified that the findings are based on initial investigation and are not yet conclusive.

Bonoan said the Department of Public Works and Highways is tapping a third party consultant to help the agency determine the cause of the collapse.

The Presidential Communications Office said President Marcos is demanding accountability for the collapse of the bridge and wants all officials involved in the project to be held accountable.

Earlier reports said the construction of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge started in 2014, or during the term of the late president Benigno Aquino III.

The bridge underwent retrofitting and was opened to motorists on Feb. 1. – Rainier Allan Ronda