President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that repairs on the San Juanico Bridge are now partially completed, with full restoration expected by 2026. During his inspection on December 12, he noted improved progress on the project.
“Mabuti naman medyo napabilis ang trabaho at ngayon, puwede na natin buksan ito for 15 tons na truck… Makakatawid na ’yung mga cargo truck natin na dati hindi nakatawid,” he said.
The bridge, which had been under strict load limits since May due to extensive structural damage, was earlier restricted to three tons to prevent further deterioration. More than ₱500 million has been allocated for the ongoing repairs, with the DPWH expediting work to meet the increased load capacity.
Authorities conducted a successful dry run on December 10, allowing two-way traffic at a 15-ton limit. Marcos said he expects the bridge to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2026.
“We are hoping for the total return of the bridge’s functions to allow 33 tons, two ways, by the middle of next year—third quarter of next year—fully functional na ito,” he added.
Local officials have proposed allowing larger trucks to cross during nighttime to ease congestion.
Marcos stressed that the bridge’s deterioration underscores the need for consistent maintenance, saying, “‘The retrofit… ₱1.1 billion. That is money that we could have saved if proper maintenance was carried out… We would not have to do any of this kung ’yung every three years iniinspeksyon, inaayos.”
Constructed from 1969 to 1973 under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the San Juanico Bridge remains the country’s third-longest bridge spanning seawater and a vital link between Samar and Leyte.