TO ENSURE PUBLIC safety and prevent further structural deterioration of the San Juanico Bridge, guidelines are strictly being enforced as per the advisory of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VIII, dated May 20, 2025.
The guidelines provide that vehicles weighing three tons and below are allowed to cross the San Juanico Bridge but only vehicles with a maximum height of 3.2 meters are allowed to pass the bridge. Vehicles are also required per the advisory to maintain a speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour while crossing while passing through the center line of the bridge. The advisory further provides that one-way crossing only at a time, with a 15-20 minute interval for each direction, and maintaining a minimum distance of 50 meters between vehicles while on the bridge. Finally, per the advisory, trucks and heavy vehicles are to proceed directly to the designated Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) ports to help reduce traffic at both bridge entry points.
In addition, on May 15, 2025, DPWH RO8 released an advisory that those exceeding the San Juanico Bridge temporary three-ton vehicle gross weight limit may utilize roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels to maintain connectivity. The said vehicles are also advised to coordinate with the PPA for the use of respective RORO ports identified by the PPA, such as Tacloban Port; Calbayog Port; Maguinoo Port in Calbayog, Samar; Catbalogan Port; Biliran Port; Ormoc Port; Hilongos Port; Maasin Port; Naval Port; Palompon Port; Calubian Port; and Villaba Port.
Meanwhile, in Ormoc, as illegal parking is strictly not allowed in the city, hence, the city government has designated truck stops or parking areas for heavy trucks, rolling cargoes, and buses that are in the city and were affected by said San Juanico Bridge weight limit restrictions. The said truck stops include Molina’s Parking located in Barangay Salvacion, Ormoc City; Manong’s Parking in Barangay Salvacion, Ormoc City; and GD Gantuanco’s Parking in Barangay Valencia, this city. (By Gwen Maurillo/EV Mail MAY 19-25, 2025 issue)
