The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formed a five-member probe panel to investigate the collapse of the newly constructed Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, with findings set for submission on or before Apr. 25.
Under Special Order No. 35 issued on Mar. 17, DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan appointed DPWH Undersecretary for legal services Anne Sharlyne Lapuz to lead the investigation.
The committee was directed to conduct a thorough assessment of the incident, which occurred on Feb. 27 when a section of the P1.22 billion bridge collapsed after a dump truck loaded with boulders crossed it.
Undersecretary Eric Ayapana was named co-chairperson, while Assistant Secretary Michael Villafranca, Planning Service Director Alex Bote, and Legal Service Director Gliricidia Tumaliuan-Ali were designated as members.
As part of the probe, the panel will conduct site inspections, review construction plans and related documents, and interview personnel involved in the project, with engineers from the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Construction providing technical support.
An investigation plan is to be submitted within three days from the issuance of the order to guide the conduct of the inquiry.
The collapse, which occurred shortly after the bridge was opened to the public, has raised concerns over the quality of public infrastructure and prompted calls for accountability from government agencies and contractors.
During his visit to Isabela on Mar. 5, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a full investigation into the incident and instructed DPWH to determine if the bridge met the required design and construction standards.
The panel is expected to recommend corrective measures and identify any liabilities based on its findings.