Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso slammed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) after it announced the upcoming closure of the Dimasalang Bridge’s southbound lane without securing permission from the local government.
Aside from the project lacking the necessary work clearances and permits, Domagoso said the DPWH does not have a finalized traffic management plan for the bridge rehabilitation, which is set to last until December 15, 2025.
Because of this, the Mayor issued a cease and desist order against the rehabilitation. “Stop. May gobyerno na sa Maynila,” Domagoso said.
Should the DPWH proceed with the project in violation of his order, Domagoso instructed the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) to confiscate the agency’s equipment and impound its vehicles.
In his inaugural address after returning as Mayor, Domagoso made this reminder to both public and private sectors: “Bumusina naman kayo kung meron kayong kalsada, lubak-lubak o canal na bubungkalin.”
“Of course, we welcome your projects, but the manner they are delivered can be improved. They should not be merely dumped on us, but should first be discussed with us properly,” Domagoso said.
The Mayor had also warned private contractors: “Hindi ako magdadalawang isip na i-impound ang inyong sasakyan o kagamitan na mahuli naming nakatiwangwang lamang sa kalsada o proyektong inyong ginagawa; disturbo na sa daloy ng trapiko, maaari pang pagmulan ng aksidente yan.”
“This is my promise: I-a-acetylene ko ulit ang mga nakatiwangwang na construction equipment sa mga kalsada sa Maynila,” he said.
In various media reports, the DPWH through its North Manila District Engineering Office announced that it plans to begin full deck replacement and structural improvements on Dimasalang Bridge starting August 9.
It also intends to close the bridge’s southbound lanes to give way to construction, while temporarily converting the northbound lanes into a two-way traffic route.
