A portion of the Carlos P. Romulo Bridge (also known as Wawa Bridge) in Bayambang town, Pangasinan province collapsed on Thursday, October 20, 2022, while two overloaded trucks were crossing it. (Photo by Ray B. Zambrano)
MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Floor Leader Koko Pimentel is calling for a safety inspection of the bridges nationwide following the recent collapse of a bridge in Pangasinan which left four persons injured.
“Are all our bridges still safe?” Pimentel said in a statement as he cited other cases of bridges collapsing like the Borja Bridge in Catigbian, Kulafu River Bridge in Davao City, a bridge in Majayjay, Laguna and Clarin Bridge over Lobo River in Loay, Bohol.
“I am worried. The incidents are very alarming. They put doubt on the structural integrity and safety of all our bridges. It is time to evaluate the safety of our bridges,” he added.
According to Pimentel, the government should start ordering an investigation especially after the collapse of Clarin Bridge in Bohol that killed four people and injured 15 more.
The recent collapse of the Carlos P. Romulo Bridge (also known as Wawa Bridge) in Bayambang, Pangasinan left four persons with head injuries.
“Whether it is a local bridge or a DPWH-constructed and -maintained bridge, the government should order a probe and a thorough and detailed assessment of the overall safety of our bridges led by the DPWH,” Pimentel said.
He added that a regular assessment by the DPWH could prevent any similar incidents from occurring again, as he explained that nothing prevents the DPWH from setting aside some funds from their budget to inspect and rehabilitate local bridges.
Pimentel also said the DPWH should ensure that local governments follow the standard specifications for bridge construction.
“Kung kailangan ng budget, isama sa General Appropriations Act. Buhay ang nakasalalay sa mga tulay na ito kaya hindi natin dapat ipagwalang bahala lang,” Pimentel said.
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