Governor Henry Oaminal demands accountability for damaged asphalt on Panguil Bay Bridge

 

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL — Governor Henry S. Oaminal has issued a statement calling for a thorough investigation into the damaged asphalt on the Panguil Bay Bridge, one of the region's key infrastructure projects.

“To all Misamisnons and the public users of the Panguil Bay Bridge, please be informed that while I worked on realizing the bridge project during my tenure as Congressman of the Second District of Misamis Occidental from 2013 to 2022, the actual implementation of the project was managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO), under Post Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon and the leadership of Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain,” Governor Oaminal said.

The Governor has now brought the issue to the attention of DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan for a thorough investigation, urging immediate action to determine the cause of the damage and identify those responsible.

"We expect the DPWH to explain why one of the probable causes was a failure to adhere to the specifications. Additionally, we demand clarity on why the project manager allowed such substandard work to occur," Governor Oaminal stated.

Governor Oaminal emphasized that the DPWH project management team is fully responsible for the situation.

“The DPWH project manager must be held fully accountable for this failure,” he said. “The local government of Misamis Occidental had no involvement in the implementation process. We have done our part to ensure the success of this project. Director Bauzon only coordinated with us during the turnover and inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge."

He further clarified that the local government has been proactive in ensuring public safety and convenience.

“We’ve set up a weighbridge that operates 24/7 to manage traffic and protect the bridge from overloading,” Oaminal explained.

Governor Oaminal called for transparency and accountability from those in charge of the project, noting that both the DPWH and the project manager must answer for their actions. "The public deserves better, and we must ensure that such issues are addressed properly," he said.

Governor Oaminal’s strong stance on the issue underscores his commitment to ensuring that public infrastructure projects are executed to the highest standards.