Gullas asks DPWH: Probe ‘shoddy’ bridge

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu First District Representative Gerald Anthony Gullas is calling on the Department of Public Works and Highways to investigate possible anomalies in the construction of the P60-million bridge project in Sitio Dumlog, Barangay Simala, Sibonga town after photos showing a big hole on its south-bound lane went viral on social media.

 Gullas, whose district includes Sibonga, said he already communicated to the DPWH officials in Manila regarding the problem.

“They should get to the bottom of what happened there. First of all, they need to investigate what caused the problem,” Gullas told The FREEMAN in a text message.

The congressman said the project contractor must repair the bridge at no cost to the government.

Ombudsman Probe

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas has also expressed interest to look into the matter provided that there is a request from any concerned citizen.

Maria Irene Pintor, who was yesterday’s designated officer of the day, told The FREEMAN that any concerned citizen or residents of Sibonga may request for an investigation.

Pintor said it would be best if a copy of the pictures will be included for the investigators to assess.

Pintor explained that a fact-finding team may visit the area to verify and gather necessary documents relative to the project.

She warned of possible criminal and administrative charges against concerned officials and individuals if the project is proven to be substandard.

On Wednesday afternoon, a Facebook user posted several photos showing the hole about one foot in diameter on the south-bound lane of the newly-built bridge in Sitio Dumlog, Barangay Simala.

The netizen said that the damage did not only pose danger to motorists it has also caused monstrous traffic in the area.

In one of the photos, a particular portion of the pavement seemed to have crumbled that exposed the reinforcing steels embedded in the concrete. As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the post has already gained at least 214 reactions and 603 shares.

It also attracted many that fueled public discourse and criticisms against the government, particularly the DPWH that supervises infrastructure projects.

The Freeman tried to contact DPWH officials in Central Visayas yesterday but no official was available for interview.

The Freeman is temporarily withholding the name of the contractor pending the confirmation from the DPWH officials and their comment on the matter.

Emergency Repair 

Jonathan Tumulak, focal person on traffic management of the Cebu provincial government, reported that the south-bound lane was closed to vehicular traffic to pave way for the "emergency" repairs Wednesday night.

He said the repairs were already done as of yesterday but the bridge’s south-bound lane will remain closed for the next two days.

To avoid congestion, small vehicles bound for southern Cebu were diverted to an alternative route.

The bridge collapsed in 2014 after the torrential rains brought by typhoon Seniang caused the river to overflow. — FPL (FREEMAN)