Probe sought over substandard projects by DPWH in Enrile, Cagayan

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Several projects in Enrile, Cagayan were allegedly substandard and failed to benefit residents, including a collapsed bridge in Barangay Alibago, Mayor Miguel Decena Jr., a member of the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), revealed.

Decena pointed out that some projects of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) were carried out without proper consultations with the local government, reiterating that it is essential for local government units to be informed and involved in projects to ensure quality and effectiveness.

The Enrile mayor specifically cited the collapse of the newly constructed P5,924,253.19 bridge in Barangay Alibago during the first week of December last year. He had previously filed a case against the bridge project, but it was dismissed.

Adding fuel to the controversy is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) designation of the area near the bridge as a “no-build zone,” which raised questions about why the DPWH proceeded with the project.

After the quick collapse of the P1.2-billion Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela last February, a congressional probe into the structural integrity of other fallen bridges nationwide was also launched.

The DPWH was tasked to conduct a comprehensive inspection and audit of infrastructure to assess their safety and suitability for public use.

Aside from the Enrile, Cagayan bridge, other public infrastructure projects were proposed for investigation, including the P680-million Ungka Flyover in Iloilo City, which was shut down less than two weeks after its September 2022 opening due to reports of sinking and instability. The four-lane flyover reopened in December 2024.

Other bridges under scrutiny include the Marilog Bridge in Davao City (July 2023); Carlos Romulo Bridge in Bayambang, Pangasinan (October 2022); Borja Bridge in Bohol (June 2022); and Loay-Clarin Bridge in Bohol (April 2022).

Mayor Decena said he is ready to appear before the Senate if necessary for further inquiry. M4GG, he stressed, supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to investigate questionable projects.

“Hindi kami kalaban ng gobyerno; kakampi kami ng gobyerno para maibsan itong katiwalian na nangyayari,” he said.