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The Civil Aeronautics Board warned against price gouging related to reduced capacity of San Juanico Bridge
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A temporary vehicle weight restriction at San Juanico Bridge is in place, limiting travel between Leyte and Samar
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CAB said price gouging by air carriers, directly or indirectly, will be dealt with severely
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Fast Logistics and AP Cargo in separate advisories have warned of delays in roll on-roll off shipments bound for Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and Mindanao because of the bridge’s weight restriction
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) warned against price gouging related to reduced capacity of San Juanico Bridge, saying air carriers who overcharge will face severe penalties.
A three-ton vehicle weight restriction is temporarily in place at San Juanico Bridge, limiting travel between Leyte and Samar.
In an advisory dated May 24 signed by CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla, the board noted the weight limit and the planned rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge are “severely” impacting land connectivity between the provinces of Leyte and Samar and “disrupting normal transport routes and creating supply chain issues.”
CAB said this has led to alternative options being explored, including air and sea travel for some passengers and expedited shipping of essential goods.
“In view of this, all air carriers are reminded of their duty as a public service undertaking, and ensure that only approved, reasonable and fair air travel options are provided to the public,” CAB said.
“Any practice of price gouging, directly or not directly related to the reduced capacity of San Juanico Bridge, will be dealt with severely by the CAB,” it added.
Fast Logistics and AP Cargo in separate advisories said there may be delays in Ro-Ro shipments bound for Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and Mindanao.
Both companies assured clients they are taking alternative routes to minimize disruption and ensure cargoes arrive as quickly as possible.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Daniel Santiago and Transport Secretary Vivencio Dizon on May 25 inspected Tacloban port to assess its capacity and surrounding infrastructure and see how Tacloban Port can serve as an alternate route for cargo and heavy vehicles affected by the bridge restriction.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban-Leyte, Inc. president Eugene Tan in an earlier radio interview warned of supply chain disruptions leading to possible shortages and higher prices of goods in the region due to the cost of freight using Ro-Ro vessels. He expressed hopes the repairs may be fast-tracked.
In order to mitigate disruptions, the Maritime Industry Authority issued special permits to ALD Sea Transport, Seen Sam Shipping, Inc., and Sunline Shipping Corp. to operate eight more vessels in four routes connecting Calbayog City, Samar – Ormoc City, Leyte, and Cebu province.
PPA also listed several ports that can be used instead of the San Juanico Bridge.
Based on analysis of Angel Lazaro & Associates International, an extensive repair and rehabilitation of the whole stretch of the bridge is needed. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 8 said it is finalizing plans, programs of work, and cost estimates for the bridge’s repair and rehabilitation, prioritizing methods that do not require closure.
An initial amount of P859 million was requested from the DPWH Central Office to cover only the slab and girder works for 32 spans, as these were the initially identified damaged sections requiring immediate repair, according to DPWH Region 8.
To support affected commuters, vehicles were deployed to provide free transportation across the San Juanico Bridge, while additional assistance centers on both sides of the bridge to offer basic services and emergency support to commuters.
Traffic management and enforcement of the restrictions are being coordinated with the assistance of the Philippine National Police, Highway Patrol Group, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Land Transportation Office, and City Government of Tacloban.
