President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has set a December 2025 deadline for increasing the San Juanico Bridge’s load capacity to 12 tons, emphasizing that failure to meet this goal could cost officials their jobs.
Speaking on his BBM Podcast, Marcos said the upgrade is a priority and warned involved agencies that he expects results. “If you don’t finish it, I’ll accept your resignation,” he stated firmly.
He also extended his apologies to residents and businesses in Samar and Leyte for the disruptions caused by the ongoing bridge rehabilitation. “We understand the inconvenience this has caused transport operators and entrepreneurs. Rest assured, we’re working quickly to fix it,” Marcos said.
Currently, only vehicles weighing three tons or less are allowed to use the 2.16-kilometer bridge, following a structural integrity assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan earlier said load limits could be increased by late 2025, with a full restoration of capacity expected once a new bridge is completed.
The iconic San Juanico Bridge, built during the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., links the islands of Samar and Leyte and is the third longest sea-spanning bridge in the country.