Overloaded Truck Causes Bridge Collapse in Albay
ALBAY – A bridge in Purok 5, Ilawod, Camalig collapsed on Thursday afternoon, August 28, after an overloaded truck attempted to cross. The incident, which occurred around 2:00 p.m., shocked residents who witnessed the structure give way under the heavy vehicle.
According to the Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), the bridge was designed only for light vehicles. However, the truck’s weight far exceeded the allowable limit, causing the bridge to crumble and sustain major damage.
Some residents explained that the truck may have chosen the route because of ongoing road and dike construction in the area, which left limited passage options. Authorities responded quickly, using a backhoe to remove the stranded truck from the collapsed structure.
The Local Government Unit (LGU) immediately coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the second district. Repairs are scheduled to begin on Friday, August 29, to restore access for residents.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is once again in the spotlight after concerns were raised about its flood control projects nationwide. Lawmakers are calling for a deeper investigation into “ghost projects” that were listed in the budget but left unfinished or never built. This has raised suspicions that large amounts of public funds may have been wasted.
Every year, billions of pesos are allocated for flood control, but the public is asking whether this money is truly used to safeguard communities or lost to corruption and substandard work. People who are often affected by floods are calling for more than temporary fixes—they want lasting projects that can protect their homes and lives. With mounting pressure, the DPWH is being urged to strengthen monitoring, enforce strict standards, and prove that its projects are genuinely for the people and not for personal gain.
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