Photos courtesy of TINGOG Party-list.
TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has criticized the national government’s slow and fragmented response to the worsening transport and economic fallout from the San Juanico Bridge restrictions.
In a privilege speech delivered on Tuesday, June 3, Acidre urged national agencies to go beyond statements and take immediate, coordinated action.
“We need to work together—not in silos, not in press releases, but in action,” he said.
Acidre called for interim transport solutions, faster permits, support for stranded motorists, and protection for medical and food supply chains. He warned that rising freight costs, delayed shipments, and investor uncertainty could lead to a broader economic and logistics crisis if left unaddressed.
“This demands an urgent, no-excuses economic mitigation plan—something we should treat with the same urgency as a natural disaster,” he stressed.
Acidre commended local stakeholders, especially the Samar provincial government under Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, and regional business groups for stepping in while national agencies lagged behind.
He expressed frustration at what he described as a lack of foresight.
“Eastern Visayas is not angry about the bridge repair—we welcome it. What we can’t accept is the lack of planning and concern from those responsible,” he said.
He concluded by calling for a time-bound mitigation plan, the release of emergency funds, and clear accountability from implementing agencies.
“This is no longer just a regional concern,” Acidre said. “If this continues, it could be a preview of how poor planning leads to a national crisis.”
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
