PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the use of roll-on/roll-off (Roro) vessels for routes such as Catbalogan City, Samar, to Tacloban City, or Calbayog City to Tacloban City, and the strict enforcement of weight limits to maintain connectivity while addressing structural issues at the iconic San Juanico Bridge.
“Our goal is to prevent incidents and ensure our infrastructure can withstand natural hazards,” said Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
“President Marcos has instructed us to ensure that our roads and bridges are resilient against earthquakes and other risks, so tragedies like the collapse of the Isabela Bridge are not repeated,” he added.
Built in 1973, the 2.16-kilometer bridge links the islands of Samar and Leyte, spanning the San Juanico Strait and is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway.
However, a recent assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) identified “structural vulnerabilities” in some components of the bridge, prompting concerned government agencies to restrict heavier vehicles and implement traffic controls.
Effective immediately, the OCD mandated that only light vehicles not exceeding three metric tons per axle load are allowed to cross the San Juanico Bridge, with traffic monitoring in place to prevent overloads and mitigate risks.
“All vehicles must traverse the bridge along the centerline and proceed one at a time, in strict compliance with on-site traffic management personnel,” OCD said in a statement.
“Heavy vehicles, including commercial cargo trucks and buses, are prohibited from using the bridge until further notice. These restrictions aim to safeguard public safety and minimize structural stress while urgent repair and maintenance work is coordinated,” it added.
OCD maintained that this order “aims to prevent further deterioration and to protect both travelers and local communities.”
“Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to public safety, the Marcos administration has responded promptly to address these concerns,” it added.
As this developed, the Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), headed by OCD Director Lord Byron Torrecarion, convened a “unified response” for the strict enforcement of the restrictions.
A joint task force comprising personnel from the DPWH, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been stationed at strategic points near the bridge, the OCD said.
“These teams conduct vehicle weighing, traffic checks, and enforcement activities to prevent overloads, ensure safety, and facilitate smooth traffic flow,” OCD said.
“Residents and travelers are advised to stay updated through official channels for further advisories. The government remains dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all Filipinos.” (Ronald O. Reyes/SunStar Philippines)