MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has demanded accountability from officials, including those from the past administration, over the collapse of the Cabagan–Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela last month, Malacañang said Wednesday.

During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President wants all officials involved in the bridge’s construction to be held responsible.

“Hindi lamang po ang [mga opisyal ng] nakaraang administrasyon ang puwedeng panagutin dito. Lahat po [ng mga opisyal] hanggang sa ngayon na maaaring may liability dito kung mayroon man, ay dapat managot,” Castro said.

The bridge collapsed on February 27 after three overloaded dump trucks, carrying around 102 tons of boulders, crossed it. According to initial findings from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), poor maintenance and structural “underdesign” contributed to the incident.

“Noong nagkaroon po kami ng pakikipag-usap kay (DPWH) Secretary (Manuel) Bonoan, nagkaroon na po talaga ng imbestigasyon. But it’s [only] initial investigation,” Castro said.

“Ang sabi po ay nagkaroon po ito [ng problema] dahil sa mga earthquakes. Sa tagal ng panahon, hindi na siya naging matibay at kailangang i-retrofit sa panahon po ngayon. Ang nakikita po so far ay nagkaroon ng under design,” she added.

Bonoan has called for the truck operators or owners to be held accountable, as the bridge was designed for light vehicles only.

“Noong dumaan [ang mga trak] hindi naging maayos dahil mga heavy vehicles ito na hindi po naaayon doon sa kakayanan ng tulay,” Castro noted.

“Kaya po isa sa mga sinasabi ni Secretary Bonoan ay maaari po na mapanagot din iyong may-ari or korporasyon na may-ari ng dump trucks. Iyon pa lang ang [laman] ng initial investigation,” she explained.

The Cabagan–Santa Maria Bridge construction began in November 2014 and was completed on February 1, 2025, at a total cost of P1.22 billion.