Senator Alan Peter Cayetano criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for its apparent lack of urgency in addressing the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela.
After DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan missed the Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee’s motu proprio hearing about the incident on March 14, 2025, Cayetano finally had the opportunity to question him about the agency’s handling of the investigation.
“I won’t keep repeating myself, Mr. Secretary, but can I put on the record that we should have a sense of urgency in getting to the bottom of this,” the veteran legislator said.
When asked whether any preventive suspensions had been issued during the course of the investigation, Bonoan admitted that none had been imposed.
“At this point in time, there has not been any suspension that has been meted to any person in the department simply because many of those who have been in, who have one way or the other, involved in the construction supervision of the bridge are no longer connected with the department,” the public works chief said.
Cayetano, however, stressed the importance of preventive suspensions, arguing that accountability measures must be implemented to ensure a fair investigation.
“That’s why meron po tayo sa batas natin na preventive suspension sapagkat importanteng malaman ng tao na fair ang investigation, ‘di ba?” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The senator further argued that even a short suspension period would have been a reasonable action given the gravity of the situation.
“Pero ‘yung zero suspension? Tulay ang bumagsak at hindi ito ordinary.”
“I’m not asking you to suspend them for 3 months, 6 months. You suspend them for 2 weeks and finish the investigation for 2 weeks and afterwards, cleared sila. Pero ‘yung zero suspension? Tulay ang bumagsak at hindi ito ordinary,” he stressed.
Cayetano also questioned the apparent lack of outrage over the incident, emphasizing that the bridge collapse should serve as a wake-up call for the DPWH and the entire government.
“Obviously, there’s a quiet cover-up that’s happening.”
“Nasaan ang sense of indignation or outrage dito? Obviously, there’s a quiet cover-up that’s happening,” he said.
Cayetano urged the DPWH to treat the issue seriously, saying that addressing this failure properly could lead to much-needed reforms within the department.
“Getting to the bottom of this collapsed bridge can be the starting point of reform in DPWH in this administration that will have far-reaching effects in the future,” he concluded.
