DPWH urged to face charges over tree-related deaths on Bicol roads

By Manuel T. Ugalde

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol may be held criminally liable for the deaths of three commuters and injuries to 11 others in two separate incidents involving old, weakened trees that collapsed onto national roads within a span of 10 days.

The first incident occurred on July 18 in Ocampo, Camarines Sur, where two brothers riding a motorcycle were fatally struck by a falling tree. Ten days later, on July 28 at around 9:57 AM, a UV Express van carrying 17 passengers—mostly students from Bacacay, Albay—was hit by a large, dead tree along the national road in Barangay Padang, Legazpi City. A female college student was killed instantly, and 11 others were injured.

Eyewitnesses said the outcome could have been worse had the tree struck the middle portion of the vehicle, which was fully loaded. They also questioned why no preventive action had been taken despite the visible condition of the tree.

Social media users have since called for criminal and administrative charges against the responsible authorities, citing gross negligence in failing to clear road obstructions such as dead trees, utility poles, and waiting sheds.

In a disturbing parallel, it was recalled that a few years ago, the son of a DPWH assistant regional director and three of his companions died after their car crashed into a tree located on the pedestrian lane along the Rawis national road—just 500 meters from the former DPWH regional office. Despite this, no significant actions have since been taken to remove similar hazards along national roads.

A source shared that the college student killed in the Padang accident typically occupied the two front seats during her daily commute. On the day of the incident, however, she gave up her seat for an elderly woman with a child and moved to the back—precisely where the tree fell. She was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Rescue vehicles from Legazpi and Sto. Domingo reportedly arrived about 30 minutes after the incident.

In the Ocampo case, police responded within five minutes, according to Police Major Bernardo Piñero. The two motorcycle riders were pronounced dead at the hospital. The weather at the time was reportedly clear.

In 2017, then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to implement a nationwide road clearing campaign. The directive aimed to remove obstructions from national to barangay roads due to mounting road accident reports. Then-DILG Secretary Eduardo Año reported substantial compliance within six months. However, the campaign lost momentum after Duterte’s administration ended.

DPWH Bicol Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte admitted that road maintenance, including clearing operations, is a 24/7 responsibility. He said he had issued standing orders to all 16 district engineering offices to act immediately on any reported road obstructions. He added that all DPWH personnel—regular or contractual—are mandated to report such hazards through text messaging.

Eduarte acknowledged that the tree in the Padang incident was visibly decaying and could have been trimmed or removed earlier to prevent tragedy. He announced plans to convene all district engineers and maintenance heads to review and reinforce existing protocols. He also emphasized the importance of securing necessary cutting or demolition permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for trees within the road right-of-way, especially in areas subject to road widening.

Critics have also questioned why DPWH proceeds with road widening and concreting projects while leaving hazardous trees and utility poles untouched, remaining as road obstructions.

Retired human rights officer Professor Salvador Flor condemned the DPWH for its apparent inaction and urged the victims’ families to seek legal redress through the Human Rights Office or the Public Attorney’s Office.