President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the urgent need to repair the San Juanico Bridge following a recent inspection that revealed serious structural damage, prompting the imposition of a strict three-ton vehicle load limit beginning May 15.
The restriction, based on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) assessment, has effectively barred heavy vehicles from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge — the only permanent land connection between Samar and Leyte.
As a result, the transport of essential goods such as food, medicine, agricultural produce, and construction materials has been severely disrupted across Eastern Visayas.
“There is an urgent need to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge to ensure the timely delivery of essential goods and services and restore regional mobility,” President Marcos said.
The President earlier declared a state of calamity in Region VIII to accelerate the rehabilitation of the vital structure and mitigate the impact on residents and commerce in the region.
Proclamation No. 920, issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), cites the critical structural condition of the 2.16-kilometer bridge, the only permanent land link between Samar and Leyte and a key component of the Pan-Philippine Highway.
Under the proclamation, the DPWH was ordered to fast-track all necessary repair and rehabilitation measures in coordination with concerned local government units. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) was also directed to identify sufficient funding sources to support the initiative.
To maintain safety and order in affected areas, law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, have been tasked with urgent response operations.
All national government agencies, local government units, and the private sector were urged to fully cooperate and mobilize resources to address the situation.
Mr. Marcos emphasized that the state of calamity gives both national and local governments the flexibility to use appropriate funds for critical infrastructure upgrades and public safety measures. The declaration may be lifted earlier or extended, depending on future assessments.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos orders swift repair of San Juanico Bridge.”
