PACC Raises Alarm Over Abandoned ₱200-Million Canbinliw Bridge in Loreto, Dinagat Islands; Project Requires Additional ₱200 Million for Completion
The project, envisioned as a vital access infrastructure for the island’s economic growth, remains abandoned and incomplete under Phase 2, despite more than ₱200 million already expended for its construction.
The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), headed by Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD, together with President VADM Andres Visaya Jr. (PCRGA), Board of Trustee Pastor Allan Japor, Forensic Expert PLT Alfred Cultura (Ret.), and Pastor Rojie Olave, conducted an ocular inspection of the bridge site.
Their inspection confirmed that construction activities had long been halted due to lack of funding, leaving behind a massive but unfinished structure that remains useless to the public.
Loreto Municipal Mayor Doandre Bill A. Ladaga made a public appeal for immediate national intervention, underscoring the bridge’s crucial role in local connectivity, trade, and tourism.
“The bridge represents progress and opportunity for Loreto,” Mayor Ladaga said. “We are calling on the National Government to provide the additional ₱200 million needed to finish this project and bring real benefit to our people.”
Once completed, the bridge will connect Sitio Canbinliw and nearby barangays, improving the movement of goods and services and unlocking the tourism potential of the municipality.
During the site visit, the PACC team noted that the Canbinliw Bridge, intended to be the largest bridge in the Dinagat Islands, remains unusable and misaligned with community priorities. Despite the enormous cost already incurred, progress has completely stopped, with the remaining phases estimated to need another ₱200 million.
Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza expressed deep disappointment toward officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Caraga Region, particularly those in the Bureau of Planning and Design, for what he described as “poorly conceived and over-engineered planning.”
“This is a glaring waste of the people’s money,” Chairman Ceniza said. “We can construct a fully functional bridge for ₱50 million that meets the needs of the people of Loreto. Instead, more than ₱400 million was planned for a project that now stands abandoned and unusable. This reflects poor planning and misplaced priorities.”
The PACC’s initial technical review found that the bridge’s design was oversized and structurally unsuitable for its actual site, raising serious questions about cost justification, planning efficiency, and possible overpricing.
As part of its ongoing anti-corruption campaign, PACC President VADM Andres Visaya Jr. announced that the organization will conduct a comprehensive technical and documentary investigation to establish accountability for the project’s failure and the possible misuse of public funds.
“This is not just a question of delay—it’s a question of responsibility,” President Visaya said. “We will identify who approved, designed, and implemented this project. If corruption or negligence is found, we will recommend the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative cases.”
The investigation will focus on identifying responsibilities and potential liabilities among the following:
– Officials from the DPWH Regional Bureau of Planning and Design
– Officials from the Bureau of Construction
– Members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) involved in the procurement of Phase 1
– The Regional Director who approved and endorsed the project
– Officials from the DPWH Dinagat Islands District Engineering Office (DDEO), if found complicit in the implementation of Phase 2
Chairman Ceniza emphasized that the PACC’s mission extends beyond exposing irregularities—it seeks to restore integrity and accountability in public infrastructure development and ensure that government projects truly serve the people.
“Every bridge, road, and public structure must stand as a testament to service—not waste,” Chairman Ceniza stressed. “The Canbinliw Bridge was meant to connect communities, yet it has become a monument of neglect. The PACC will ensure that accountability is enforced and that such wastage will never happen again.”
The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) is a volunteer-based, non-governmental, and non-political organization dedicated to supporting the Philippine government and civil society in the fight against corruption.
Composed of professionals in law, engineering, accounting, auditing, and procurement, PACC volunteers assist in monitoring government infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act), and recommending the filing of cases against erring officials and contractors.
Through its grassroots presence and technical expertise, the PACC continues to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance across the nation.