Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has called on the Senate to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the status of all state bridges nationwide.

THE Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan collapsed while 10-wheel trucks were passing on Monday afternoon. (Cagayan PIO_)

Estrada, in filing Senate Resolution No. 153, said it is imperative to look into the condition and structural integrity of bridges nationwide following the collapse of the 50-year old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan—the second bridge collapse in the Cagayan Valley region in just eight months.

The Piggatan Bridge collapsed Monday (October 6) afternoon after multiple trucks reportedly exceeded its 18-ton load limit. Four trucks fell along with the bridge when it collapsed over 20 feet. Seven people were reportedly injured, according to the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). The heavily loaded trucks were reportedly carrying palay and corn.

“Are we going to wait for another bridge to collapse before we act? We must act swiftly to identify vulnerable structures, especially in agricultural regions,” Estrada said.

“It’s not just roads that are cut off when a bridge collapses — transportation, safety, and the livelihood of our countrymen are also affected,” he emphasized.

Estrada noted that the bridge, which serves as a vital link along the Maharlika Highway, connecting Alcala town to the rest of the Cagayan province and Tuguegarao City, was certified by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as being “in good overall condition” just a year earlier.

“We must ensure that our bridges—especially those in agricultural and rural areas—are structurally sound and capable of withstanding present-day demands. The safety of our people and the stability of our economy depend on it,” he said, adding that the Piggatan bridge’s collapse follows that of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge’s breakdown in neighboring Isabela province.

Estrada said the recurrence of such incidents raises serious questions about the durability, inspection protocols, and design standards of public infrastructure.

“The collapse of the Piggatan Bridge is a wake-up call. We owe it to the Filipino people to ensure that our roads and bridges are safe, efficient, and built to last,” said Estrada.

Moreover, the lawmaker said it is also imperative for the DPWH and other concerned agencies to prioritize the retrofitting and replacement of aging bridges, and to ensure that new constructions meet modern standards capable of handling increased traffic and heavier loads.