PASIG CITY, Philippines — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon conducted a high-level inspection of the F. Manalo Bridge in Barangay Manggahan on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The inspection aimed to finalize plans for the permanent reconstruction and expansion of the critical link, which was severely damaged in 2024 when it was hit by loose barges during Typhoon Carina.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has committed to a permanent rehabilitation timeline of one to one-and-a-half years, with the goal of not only repairing but modernizing the structure.
At the request of Mayor Sotto, the DPWH will scale up the project to better accommodate the heavy traffic flow between Pasig and Quezon City:
- Lane Upgrade: The bridge will be widened from its original two lanes to four lanes.
- Increased Funding: The government is seeking an additional ₱700 million in funding from the 2026 or 2027 national budget to complete the permanent structure.
- Temporary Solution: A temporary bridge currently in place—funded and built by a Japanese contractor—will remain operational to ensure that movement is not completely paralyzed during construction.
Secretary Dizon noted that the primary obstacle to a swifter completion is a 100-meter right-of-way (ROW) issue on the Quezon City side.
- Property Dispute: The owner of the land required for the bridge approach is currently contesting the acquisition.
- Legal Action: While the agency prefers a negotiated settlement, Dizon stated they are prepared to proceed with expropriation if an agreement cannot be reached, to ensure the public interest is served.
With the rainy season approaching, Dizon assured residents that while the current temporary bridge limits capacity, it is designed to withstand typical weather conditions. He emphasized a strict policy against closing the bridge during ordinary working days. “We will not allow this bridge to be closed [on ordinary days]. This should only be closed when there are fewer people in Metro Manila, like during Holy Week or Christmas,” Dizon said.
The bridge recently underwent a brief maintenance closure from April 17 to 20 to install rubber plates, replace speed humps, and repair the vertical clearance barrier.