By Giel Eduard Acot Orillosa
The recent collapse of the Cabangan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela is a tragic reminder of the problems in public infrastructure projects. This 990-meter bridge, which cost P1.2 billion, was opened just last month. Reports say that this amount was only for retrofitting, meaning the bridge already needed repairs before it was even used. Construction on this bridge started in 2014, yet it still failed. This raises important questions: Why did it collapse? Was it built using low-quality materials? Was there corruption involved?
In other countries, construction companies are required to provide a warranty for their projects. This means if a road or bridge is defective, the contractor must fix it at their own expense. This protects taxpayer money and ensures quality. Unfortunately, the Philippines does not have such a system. If we did, many contractors would go bankrupt because so many roads and bridges fail quickly after being built. It is common to see roads washed away by floods or bridges collapsing soon after completion.
Many public works projects use substandard materials. For example, some roads have only six inches of cement, and some bridges use weak reinforcement bars. Because of corruption, government funds do not always go to the actual project. Instead, a large part of the money is lost to politicians who demand kickbacks and public officials who take commissions. Contractors must still make a profit, so they use cheaper materials or cut corners. This results in weak structures that do not last long.
One of the biggest problems is how public funds are allocated. In the Philippines, money for flood-control projects is divided among congressional districts. Instead of being used strategically to solve flooding problems, these funds are often wasted on invisible or ineffective projects. Corruption is the reason why the country has poor infrastructure compared to its neighbors in Asean. While countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia are progressing, the Philippines is falling behind because corruption has weakened its economy.
After the Isabela bridge collapse, the President’s spokesperson said that “heads will roll,” meaning those responsible will be punished. However, Filipinos have heard this promise many times before, and nothing changes. If real action were taken, many officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways would have already lost their jobs.
To improve public infrastructure, the government must take strong action. First, all public works projects should have warranties. This would make contractors more responsible and ensure better quality. Second, an independent commission of respected structural engineers should oversee government projects to make sure they meet proper standards. Third, the Commission on Audit should not only check expenses but also inspect the quality of projects.
Ordinary citizens notice when well-paved roads are regularly torn up and repaved. They know something is wrong, but they feel powerless. It is time for the government to stop corruption and ensure that taxpayer money is used wisely. Only then can the country build strong, lasting infrastructure that benefits everyone.