MANILA, Philippines – Senator Joel Villanueva has demanded a thorough explanation from Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan regarding the government’s safety protocols for roads and bridges across the country. The call for accountability follows the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, raising concerns over recurring infrastructure failures.
During a Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee hearing on March 26, 2025, Villanueva pushed for reforms to strengthen inspection and maintenance protocols for national bridges to prevent similar incidents. He questioned whether the department has an effective system in place to ensure public safety.
In response, Secretary Bonoan assured lawmakers that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has a comprehensive monitoring and inspection program for all major bridges, aiming to address structural concerns before they pose risks to commuters.
