-
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr ordered that perishable goods get priority access on San Juanico Bridge while access to the structure is limited
-
Marcos also earlier placed Eastern Visayas under a state of calamity for one year starting June 5, 2025, to fast-track repair of the deteriorating bridge
-
A 3-ton load limit on the bridge has severely disrupted movement of essential goods across Samar and Leyte
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered that perishable goods get priority access on San Juanico Bridge while access to the structure is limited.
During an inspection of San Juanico Bridge and Amandayehan port in Samar on June 11, Marcos expressed concern over a small-time trucker’s complaint of spoilage of vegetables due to delays of up to four days in catching a roll-on/roll-off (Roro) ferry.
San Juanico Bridge is closed to vehicles exceeding the 3-ton gross weight limit since mid-May due to structural integrity issues. The bridge is the only permanent land connection between Samar and Leyte and a key component of the Pan-Philippine Highway that links Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The weight restriction has affected connectivity between the provinces of Leyte and Samar, severely disrupting passenger and cargo traffic between the regions.
Marcos said he has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to provide a schedule for increasing the load limit on San Juanico Bridge, emphasizing the need to expedite its technical assessment and present a clear rehabilitation timeline.
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said that initial bridge repairs would allow 3-ton vehicles to pass. The load capacity would be gradually increased to 4, 5 and then 12 tons before December.
Earlier Marcos placed Eastern Visayas under a state of calamity for one year starting June 5, 2025, to fast-track repair of the deteriorating San Juanico Bridge and mitigate its impact on communities in Samar and Leyte.
Proclamation No. 920, signed by Marcos on June 5, follows the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council citing the bridge’s critical condition.
The state of calamity will remain in effect for a year unless lifted or extended earlier, depending on the situation.
In his proclamation, Marcos ordered the DPWH, in coordination with concerned local government units, to expedite all necessary measures for the full repair and rehabilitation of the 2.16-kilometer bridge.
He also directed the Department of Budget and Management to help DPWH identify appropriate and sufficient funding sources to support the bridge works.
Law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, were likewise tasked to implement urgent safety measures for residents affected by the bridge’s condition, and to help maintain peace and order in the affected areas.
All national government offices and agencies were instructed to cooperate and mobilize the necessary resources to assist in the full rehabilitation of the bridge. The private sector and local governments were also encouraged to provide support.
“The declaration of a State of Calamity will, among others, hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, and afford the National Government, as well as local government units, ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds,” the proclamation stated.
Marcos said immediate rehabilitation is needed to restore regional mobility and ensure the timely delivery of critical goods and services.
READ: Amandayehan port opens as alternate gateway to San Juanico Bridge
