Malacañang on Monday emphasized the urgency of rehabilitating the San Juanico Bridge, urging the public to understand the temporary inconvenience caused by the ongoing works, which aim to prevent potential accidents due to structural concerns.
“Tingnan po natin ito sa mas positibong aspeto dahil ito po ay rehabilitation… mas nanaisin po talaga na maiwasan kung anuman maaring idulot ng disgrasya kung ito man ay hindi maayos ng maagap,” said Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a briefing.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has placed all concerned agencies on heightened alert following the partial closure of the 2.16-kilometer bridge, which connects the provinces of Leyte and Samar and serves as a key economic and transport lifeline in Eastern Visayas.
A San Juanico Task Group has been formed to oversee safety efforts, while public assistance desks will be set up at both ends of the bridge. Additionally, 24-hour patrols will monitor the area.
To manage traffic and ensure safety, a weighing station will be installed to assess which vehicles can safely pass. For now, only light vehicles are allowed to cross.
To ease the impact on commuters, the DPWH will deploy 13 shuttle buses operating round-the-clock. Ferry services are also being arranged in coordination with local government units and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
Built in 1969 during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the San Juanico Bridge is now under close watch after recent assessments revealed structural safety concerns.