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Filipino Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos orders regular 3-year inspections of San Juanico Bridge amid safety concerns
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for routine inspections of the San Juanico Bridge every three years to ensure public safety, following reports of its deteriorating condition during its ongoing rehabilitation. Speaking to reporters during an inspection of the Amandayehan Port—currently serving as an alternate route for vehicles banned from the bridge—Marcos said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had flagged the bridge's structural integrity as severely compromised. 'We didn't expect the bridge to be in such poor condition,' Marcos said. 'Apparently, proper maintenance wasn't done. Inspections should be happening every three years, but based on what the locals told me, that hasn't been the case.' The DPWH has temporarily barred vehicles over three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge, which connects the islands of Samar and Leyte. Built in 1969 and completed in 1973, San Juanico Bridge was a flagship project of President Marcos' late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. To minimize the disruption to transport and commerce, Marcos said the government is implementing a system to prioritize the movement of perishable goods, after hearing complaints from truck drivers facing multi-day delays. 'We spoke to drivers carrying vegetables who've been stuck for three or four days. Without refrigerated trucks, their goods go to waste. We will now give priority to transporting perishable goods,' he said. Marcos also acknowledged that the rehabilitation would lead to higher transportation costs but assured the public that assistance will be provided to those affected, although not all cost increases can be covered. To facilitate the rehabilitation, Marcos issued Proclamation No. 920, declaring Eastern Visayas under a state of calamity for one year. When asked when the declaration will be lifted, he replied, 'When traffic returns to normal.'
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos declares state of calamity in Eastern Visayas over San Juanico bridge fix
The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, one of the longest in the Philippines, links Samar and Leyte provinces in the Visayas. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Proclamation No. 920, placing Eastern Visayas under a state of calamity for a year, to give way for the repairs on San Juanico Bridge. Marcos said the state of calamity took effect on June 5 and may be lifted earlier or extended depending on the circumstances. The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, one of the longest in the Philippines, links Samar and Leyte provinces in the Visayas. '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 (LGUs), ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds for the repair and safety upgrading of the subject public infrastructure,' the proclamation read. Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in coordination with concerned LGUs to 'expedite all measures necessary to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.' The President also directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to assist the DPWH in identifying funding sources for the rehabilitation of the bridge. Further, law enforcement were tasked to 'undertake urgent response to ensure the safety of the people affected by the critical condition of the San Juanico Bridge, as well as all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in the affected areas, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.' 'There is an urgent need to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge to ensure timely delivery of essential goods and services and restore regional mobility,' said Marcos in a statement. The bridge was a project of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
