Misamis Occidental – Governor Henry S. Oaminal has called for a thorough investigation into the damaged asphalt on the Panguil Bay Bridge, urging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to address the issue and hold those responsible accountable.

In a public statement, Governor Oaminal clarified that while he worked tirelessly to bring the bridge project to fruition during his tenure as Congressman of the Second District of Misamis Occidental (2013-2022), the implementation of the project was under the direct management of the DPWH.

The project was executed through the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO), under the Post Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon and Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain.

“The local government of Misamis Occidental had no involvement in the implementation of the project. DPWH Project Director Bauzon only coordinated with us during the turnover and inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge, not during the implementation stage,” Governor Oaminal emphasized.

The governor expressed concern over the deteriorating asphalt on the bridge, which he said was a result of clear violations of construction specifications.

According to his technical team, the damage was primarily caused by the omission of the SS-1 tack coat, a vital component in the asphalt application process. The tack coat, which ensures proper adhesion between layers of asphalt, was required but was not applied by the contractor.

Gov. Oaminal also responded to claims made by DPWH Project Director Bauzon, who said that overloading vehicles crossing the bridge may have caused the damage.

“I would like to emphasize that the Misamis Occidental side, in Tangub City, is strictly monitored 24/7 through the weighbridge. It is impossible for a vehicle weighing more than 30 tons to pass over the bridge, as any such vehicle would also have caused damage to the national highway, which is used by overweight vehicles,” said Gov. Oaminal.

He expressed his frustration that the DPWH Project Management Office had tolerated this omission, despite its critical role in maintaining the bridge’s integrity.

Governor Oaminal has now called on DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan to conduct a full investigation into the matter, including the actions of the contractor, the Namkwang-Kukdong-Gumgwang Joint Venture, and the oversight by the Project Management Office.

He urged the Secretary to ensure that the irregularities are thoroughly addressed, as they have not only compromised the project’s quality but also caused significant inconvenience to the public.

“We cannot allow such negligence to go unchecked,” Oaminal concluded. “These issues have prejudiced the project and disrupted the daily lives of the people who rely on the bridge for their commutes and livelihoods. We need accountability and immediate action to prevent further damage.”

As the investigation unfolds, Gov. Oaminal and other local officials are hopeful that the issues surrounding the Panguil Bay Bridge will be addressed, ensuring that the bridge continues to serve as a safe and reliable infrastructure. (SN/PGMO)