Manila: Malaca±ang is seeking the inspection of all bridges built under the watch of former president Rodrigo Duterte to ensure their structural integrity and safety. Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) and concerned local government units (LGUs) would inspect the bridges constructed as part of the 'Duterte Legacy' to make sure that they are not 'under design.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized the necessity of these inspections during a Palace press briefing, stating, "Malamang po iyan din po ang gagawin ng administrasyon, i-inspect po hangga't maari lahat po, with the help of DPWH, with the help of LGUs, lahat po ng mga tulay, lalung-lalo na po ang mga naisagawa sa panahon ni dating pangulong Duterte." She further added that the administration does not know if the bridges were under-designed, thus necessitating thorough inspections.
Castro's statement followed President Marcos' inspection of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela province, where he promised the construction of a new bridge after deeming the design of the collapsed structure as "poor" and "very weak." Marcos indicated his initial focus would be on building a new bridge before addressing accountability for the bridge's collapse.
Echoing Marcos' sentiments, Castro asserted that while the administration's priority is to resolve the immediate issue, they will also seek accountability. She remarked, "Unang-una po syempreng gagawin ng administrayon eh imbestigahan po ito, imbestigahan simula ng ito ay nagka-design up to the time kung bakit pa ito ay itinuloy kung hindi na maganda ang design noong 2014. Bakit tinapos pa ito sa panahon ni dating pangulong Duterte at sinasabi pa nilang Duterte Legacy ito."
Castro assured that the investigation would not be limited to past administrations, indicating that if any current officials are found liable, they would also be held accountable. She concluded, "Hindi lamang po doon hihinto. Kung may liability din po ang sinuman sa kasalukuyang adminsitrasyon, dapat din pong managot. Pero iyan po ay iimbestigahan kung meron mang pinagkakitaan dito not once, not twice, not many times. Aalamin po ito ng Pangulo. Aalamin po ito sa pamamagitan po nang pag-iimbestiga."
