-
Maritime Industry Authority Region 8 extended the temporary relaxation of shipping schedules within its jurisdiction
-
This is meant to accommodate greater passenger and cargo volume in the area due to load restrictions and rehabilitation of the San Juanico and Liloan bridges
-
The temporary easing is valid from July 16 to August 16 to ease congestion and avoid prolonged queuing or stranding in affected area/routes
-
Under the rules, ships can immediately depart once their maximum authorized passenger and/or cargo capacities are attained
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region 8 has extended the temporary relaxation of shipping schedules within its jurisdiction. This is meant to accommodate the continued increase in passenger and cargo volume in the area due to the load restrictions and rehabilitation of the San Juanico and Liloan bridges.
The temporary easing is valid from July 16 to August 16 to ease congestion and avoid prolonged queuing or stranding in affected area/routes, according to an Advisory No. 2025-25-004 from the Regional Director of MARINA Regional Office VIII dated July 16.
A similar order eased shipping schedules from June 4 to July 4, after vehicles exceeding the three-ton gross weight limit were barred from using San Juanico Bridge beginning mid-May to make way for the rehabilitation that would address the bridge’s structural integrity. The restriction has affected connectivity between the provinces of Leyte and Samar, disrupting passenger and cargo traffic between the region.
A three-ton maximum weight limit for all vehicles traversing the Liloan Bridge in Southern Leyte has also been in place since July 4, 2025.
Under MRO VIII 2025-25-004, strict adherence to the authorized schedule of trips of domestic shipping companies/operators is suspended.
MRO VIII’s jurisdiction covers Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar , Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte.
Rules under MARINA Advisory (MA) No. 2015-10, which provides the guidelines during emergency, holiday season and special occasions should be followed.
Under MA 2015-10, ships can immediately depart once their maximum authorized passenger and/or cargo capacities are attained.
Upon safe disembarkation of passengers and/or cargoes and approval/clearance from the Philippine Coast Guard and/or Philippine Ports Authority, whether or not their authorized passenger and/or cargo capacities are attained, ships shall immediately return to the congested/affected port/s.
Ships can also increase their sailing frequency.
In the carriage of passengers and/or cargoes, shipping companies/operators should strictly observe/adhere to the “first come, first serve” policy, notwithstanding any prior written agreement or arrangement with clients/shippers.
If the shipping service/s in the affected area/s remains insufficient despite enforcement of such measures, other shipping companies/operators may be authorized to deploy their ships in order to ensure the immediate recovery of areas from the emergency, congestion or similar circumstances.
Additionally, all vessels must adhere to a reasonable port time stay to ensure proper berthing allocation and avoid port congestion.
Aside from the relaxation of shipping schedules, MRO VIII earlier also issued special shipping 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.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. earlier said more than P500 million has been allocated to increase San Juanico Bridge’s current three-ton load limit to 12 tons by December.
He said he ordered the expedited retrofitting and restoration of the bridge, while acknowledging the inconveniences brought by the temporary weight restriction.
