The structural design of the Batiano Bridge in Oton has been blamed for many deaths ever since it was opened to commuters in 1997, according to former Brgy. Captain Evaristo “Bebing” Flores of Brgy. Poblacion North.

Despite the unified protests from town residents and various local organizations, the said project was carried out allegedly through the political influence of then Mayor Vicente “Totik” Flores and First District Congressman Oscar Garin.

Since then, the Batiano Bridge stands as a monumental mute witness to many vehicular accidents at the approach of the bridge.

It doesn’t need a professional geodetic engineer to determine if an ascending curved surface like that of Batiano Bridge is passable  or not. Yes, vehicles can pass through but until when will its worthiness last?

For the record, a vehicular accident occurred even before its first anniversary; mysteriously a series of similar accidents occurred one after the other since its construction in 1996. The old folks believe it could have been a karmic effect born out insatiable greed for power and fortune.

Unfortunately, it’s the ordinary folks that got the wrath and not the principal protagonists themselves.

It has also been observed by the “tumandoks,” that there was a desecration of historical heritage committed by the proponents of the project by elevating the bridge far from its original height.

A solid structural step which appears like centuries old-stairs believed to be utilized by Spanish and Chinese traders then were unnecessarily destroyed in order to construct the bridge. It could have been a priceless piece of landmark with historical value but unfortunately the proponents appeared to be either ignorant or they deliberately did it for their vested interest.

The construction of Batiano bridge way back in 1996 became a political issue which resulted to a heated confrontation between then Congressman Oscar “Oca” Garin and Brgy. Captain Evaresto “Bebing” Flores when they accidentally bumped into each other at the roadside of the miraculous Immaculada Conception Parish Church in Oton.

It could have been a bloody confrontation but cooler heads immediately intervened.

Both stood their ground. Oca pushed for the construction of the new bridge which is higher than its original state while Bebing and most of the residents opposed it.

Surprisingly, some of the petitioners considered as the pillars in the religious sector of the town gave in to pressures for the “sake of their flock.” Other members of the Municipal Council reportedly gave in for the price. You smell them from a distance stinking worse than dead rats. So what else is new? Some of them were able to graduate as public servants and left a legacy of shame, with nothing to be proud of and worst, they curved their names in a niche of scandal and corruption. Others are back in power mainly to protect their business interest.

Batiano Bridge serves as a symbol of corruption since its existence, cosmetically structured under a new face, while others call it a “bridge of trouble.”

The previous frequent flood occurrence in the past affecting particularly residents living along the riverbank is another confirmation of a “curse” haunting the bridge.

Ogtonganons have no reason to complain at all, for they deserve the kind of government that they have.

I do believe there is no such thing as a corruption-free government, but I also believe there is a corresponding karmic consequence for government officials committing thievery while holding office.

Government officials who, after finishing their term of office run scot free from thievery may enjoy their loot, but that is only temporary.

Like the bridge of Batiano, soon they will also be haunted by their conscience if not inflected with incurable sickness of any form.*