Solon slams DPWH over road neglect

By Manny T. Ugalde

LEGAZPI CITY – A neophyte Albay lawmaker, Adrian Salceda, former mayor of Polangui, has criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over what he described as the agency’s damning neglect of road infrastructure, particularly along the Maharlika Highway, which he said has led to frequent accidents and worsening traffic congestion.

The Maharlika Highway serves as the primary route connecting Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Salceda, who is also the newly elected representative of Albay’s 3rd District, echoed a 2024 open letter published by Bicol Mail and authored by a civil engineer from Camarines Sur, which called out the poor state of Bicol roads compared to those in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The letter particularly pointed to the ongoing re-blocking and repair projects along the Camarines Sur–Albay section of the Maharlika Highway, which continue to inconvenience motorists and commuters.

On May 16, 2025, the Mayors League of the Philippines–Albay Chapter sent a letter to DPWH Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte expressing their dismay over the deteriorating condition of roads in the province, noting that police reports continue to reflect a disturbing number of road accident casualties.

Motorists have long complained about various issues, including road obstructions, poor maintenance, and the lack of traffic signs. One tragic example cited was the collapse of the historic Waras Bridge in Camarines Sur during Typhoon Kristine in October 2024.

Built during the Spanish colonial era, Waras Bridge in Baao, Camarines Sur had been under observation since 2018, when a typhoon caused structural damage. It was placed under strict monitoring by the DPWH Camarines Sur 5th District Engineering Office, whose then district engineer strongly recommended its replacement within three years.

However, the bridge collapsed in 2024—six years later—despite urgent calls for its replacement and the eventual release of funding.

A source within the DPWH lamented the agency’s failure to restrict traffic on the compromised bridge. “Waras Bridge, being a national road, should have been either closed to traffic or limited to light vehicles only.

Instead, all types of vehicles—including heavy equipment—were allowed to pass freely,” the source said. Ironically, the DPWH’s 5th District Engineering Office is located in Baao itself, the source added.

Lito Tuanqui, a retired banker and former president of the Bicol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, posed a chilling question: “What if a fully loaded tourist bus had passed over the weakened Waras Bridge just hours before Typhoon Kristine struck?”

Salceda said he plans to create a Task Force Traffic Relief to address the growing congestion along the Maharlika Highway and to oversee proper traffic management during ongoing road works.

He cited several road accidents caused by unclear detour signage in active construction zones. One such incident occurred on May 8 in Tuburan, involving a motorcycle rider who crashed near a construction site operated by Global Trade Construction.

The victim was brought to the Bicol Regional and Training Hospital in Legazpi City. According to a radio report, the victim claimed he received no assistance from either the DPWH or the contractor, and his hospital bill had ballooned to hundreds of thousands of pesos.

Engr. Alex Lacuna, chief of the DPWH Regional Construction Division, said the contractor is currently negotiating a “win-win” solution to address the victim’s medical expenses.

Salceda concluded by stating that under his watch, he will ensure that public works projects are implemented with proper planning, coordination, and accountability—in the best interest of commuters and motorists alike.