TACLOBAN CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has stressed the importance of conducting regular inspections and maintenance of vital infrastructure, following the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge due to structural issues.
Speaking during his recent inspection of Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar—now serving as an alternative route for cargo vehicles—Marcos pointed out that maintenance protocols may not have been properly observed on the 2.16-kilometer bridge, the main land link between Leyte and Samar.
“We didn’t expect that this was already worse, maybe the maintenance was not properly done. It should be done every three years,” the President said, underlining the need for consistent monitoring to prevent further deterioration.
To address the ongoing transport challenges, Marcos assured that the government will take steps to reduce disruptions in the delivery of essential goods, particularly perishables.
“We will enforce a system to prioritize the perishable goods,” he said, also noting the potential increase in transportation costs during the bridge’s rehabilitation period.
To support repair efforts, the President earlier signed Proclamation No. 920, declaring a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas, enabling the release of emergency funds and resources.
Asked when the declaration might be lifted, Marcos responded, “When the traffic has returned to normal.”
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has also stated that weight limits on the San Juanico Bridge may be adjusted by the last quarter of the year, depending on the pace of structural reinforcement.
Meanwhile, the government continues to mobilize vessels and explore alternate transport routes to maintain the flow of goods and ensure the economic resilience of the region.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
