Cheaper proposal for Isabela bridge ‘most likely’ chosen by Arroyo administration, says DPWH

March 7, 2025 , 06:37 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(March 7, 2025) – The administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo “most likely” chose a cheaper proposal for the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela over the more expensive option offered by Japan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Friday.

The newly opened bridge collapsed on February 27 after a truck carrying 102 tons of boulders attempted to cross it. The incident left six people injured.

“’Yung original proposal nito ay dapat kasama doon sa ifa-finance ng Japanese government. Kaya lang namamahalan ‘yung (Philippine) government at that time at may nakapag-propose na puwedeng gawin sa mas mababang halaga,” said DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan on One PH’s One Balita Pilipinas.

He said Japan’s proposal cost P1.8 billion, citing the estimate of a consulting firm.

The construction of the bridge began in 2014 under the term of the late former president Noynoy Aquino III. Bonoan, however, posited that the project planning and budget proposal were done earlier.

When asked if it was during the administration of Macapagal-Arroyo, Bonoan replied: “Yes, most likely.”

Macapagal-Arroyo served as president from 2001 to 2010. Aquino succeeded her from 2010 to 2016.

Bonoan said the contractor of the bridge deviated from the standard structure by using solid steel rods instead of cables. Bonoan added that the move may have affected the bridge’s durability. The construction cost P1.2 billion.

Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. inspected the bridge on Thursday and said a “design flaw” was among the main reasons for its collapse. He also warned of consequences if corruption was found in the bridge’s retrofitting.

The DPWH stressed that its findings about the incident are still preliminary, adding that it has commissioned a third-party consultant to conduct an investigation.

“I just want to make clear na itong proyekto na ito ay hindi pa naitu-turn-over sa DPWH kasi hindi pa namin nagagawa ‘yung confirmatory (procedures),” said Bonoan. “Nasa pangangasiwa pa rin ito ng contractor.”

(PM)

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