Mayor Isko slams DPWH, issues cease and desist order on Dimasalang Bridge rehabilitation
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso has publicly criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for announcing the closure of the southbound lane of the Dimasalang Bridge without first securing the necessary permits and coordinating with the local government.
Domagoso revealed that the DPWH failed to obtain the required work clearances and permits for the project which is scheduled to last until December 15, 2025. He also emphasized that the department has not submitted a finalized traffic management plan to the city government.
As a result, the Mayor issued a cease and desist order against the planned rehabilitation.
“Stop. May gobyerno na sa Maynila (The City of Manila has a functioning government),” Domagoso said firmly.
He warned that if the DPWH proceeds with the project in defiance of the order, he has instructed the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) to confiscate the department's equipment and impound its vehicles.
In his inaugural speech after returning as local chief executive of the capital city, Domagoso reminded both public agencies and private contractors to give the local government a heads-up on any road projects.
“Bumusina naman kayo kung meron kayong kalsada, lubak-lubak o canal na bubungkalin (At least give us a heads-up if you’re planning to dig up roads, fix potholes, or open up canals).”
“Of course, we welcome development projects, but the manner they are delivered can be improved. They should not be merely dumped on us, but should first be discussed with us properly,” he stressed.
He also warned private contractors: “Hindi ako magdadalawang isip na i-impound ang inyong sasakyan o kagamitan na mahuli naming nakatiwangwang lamang sa kalsada o proyektong inyong ginagawa; disturbo na sa daloy ng trapiko, maaari pang pagmulan ng aksidente yan (I won’t hesitate to impound your vehicles or equipment that are abandoned on the roads or at your project sites. They disrupt traffic and may cause accidents).”
The DPWH, through its North Manila District Engineering Office, reportedly announced that it will begin full deck replacement and structural upgrades on Dimasalang Bridge starting August 9.
As part of the rehabilitation, the department plans to close the bridge’s southbound lanes and temporarily convert the northbound lanes into a two-way traffic route.