Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso inspected the Beata Bridge on Wednesday morning following reports of stolen safety railings and a series of accidents in the area.

The move aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize road safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Authorities said immediate steps will be taken to reinforce the bridge’s structure and prevent further incidents.

During the inspection, Dizon underscored the urgency of addressing the issue, noting the bridge’s history of accidents and recurring theft of its railings.

“Pumunta kami dito ni ‘Yorme’ kasi itong Beata, notorious sa aksidente. Kawawa naman yung mga naaaksidente, madami-dami na,” Dizon said.

He added that based on DPWH records, the problem has persisted for years.

“Ang report sa amin, since 2021, laging nananakaw yung mga safety railing,” he explained.

Dizon pointed out that the method of theft involves gradually loosening the railings over time. To counter this, he said officials are adopting a more permanent solution.

“Sabi nga ni Yorme, ‘common sense’ lang naman—i-welding na lang natin para hindi na manakaw, kasi dinadahan-dahan yung pag-loosen ng mga railings,” he said.

The DPWH is expected to immediately implement the welding and reinforcement of the bridge’s railings as part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and prevent further accidents in Manila.