TACLOBAN CITY – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) led the inspection of the San Juanico Bridge on Wednesday (June 11), sharing thereafter that they have a rehabilitation plan for the bridge but defects were observed during an inspection by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Sinabi ng mga engineer na isara natin ito dahil babagsak ito kapag minalas tayo,” the president explained on the issue that the imposition of a load limit on the bridge was unplanned. They also surmised that the maintenance that was supposedly done every three years may not have been carried out properly.
On June 5, 2025, Eastern Visayas was placed under a state of calamity following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through Resolution No. 1 (s. 2025). It has recommended a declaration due to the increasing risks from significant structural compromises in the bridge.
The DPWH determined the bridge to be in critical condition due to significant structural compromises, prompting the enforcement of a strict three-ton vehicle load limit effective 15 May 2025.
The San Juanico Bridge is a 2.16-kilometer bridge that serves as the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte. It is a vital component of the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway/AH26), which connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
DPWH-8 Edgar Tabacon expressed optimism that with the president’s visit, the PHP1.17 billion proposed budget for strengthening will be released. He said that once the funds are released, the civil works will take five months excluding the procurement process.
The Regional Development Council (RDC-8) approved a resolution requesting President Marcos to provide immediate funding for strengthening the bridge to a 33-ton load capacity. They are seeking funding sources from the NDRRMC calamity fund and the unprogrammed funds of the Department of Budget and Management for 2024.
Before the President visited the San Juanico Bridge, he also inspected Amandayehan Port, which temporarily transports vehicles from Basey, Samar to this city. They also plan to add RORO vessel and night voyages to cater to the influx of vehicles and passengers. (By Marie Tonette Marticio/EV Mail JUNE 9-15, 2025 issue)
