Catastrophe looms if Guadalupe Bridge repairs paused, group warns
Built in 1962 and completed in 1966, the bridge connects Makati and Mandaluyong and was widened in 1974.
Daily TribuneBuilt in 1962 and completed in 1966, the bridge connects Makati and Mandaluyong and was widened in 1974.
Fragile The Guadalupe Bridge in Mandaluyong City bears the strain of time and traffic, its 1960s frame now showing signs of fatigue. Set for closure and repair this October, the aging structure has been flagged for urgent rehabilitation by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
PhotoGRAPH by Analy Labor
Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to temporarily halt the EDSA rehabilitation project, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) warned against putting on hold the refurbishment of the Guadalupe Bridge.
ECOP chairperson Edgardo Lacson said stopping repairs on the nearly 60-year-old bridge could endanger motorists.
“Safety is a necessity, not a luxury. The EDSA repairs can be postponed without endangering lives, but not the Guadalupe Bridge, which is 59 years old. It may be structurally weak,” Lacson said in a Viber message.
Built in 1962 and completed in 1966, the bridge connects Makati and Mandaluyong and was widened in 1974.
Lacson warned that a collapse during rush hour would be disastrous. “It would be a catastrophic disaster if the Guadalupe Bridge collapses during rush hour, plunging hundreds of motorists into the highly polluted Pasig River — either drowning or dying from toxic exposure,” he told DAILY TRIBUNE.
“The collapse of the Guadalupe Bridge will signal a failure of the government to protect lives and property, and it will be an international embarrassment,” he added.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has scheduled the bridge repairs for October 2025.
On Sunday, Marcos announced the suspension of the broader EDSA rehabilitation project to give agencies time to explore modern technologies that could shorten the two-year construction timeline.
Meanwhile, Marcos said the Pamilya Pass 1+3 promo on the country’s major rail lines is part of the Bagong Pilipinas initiative to ease transportation costs and promote family bonding.
“The Filipino culture treats Sundays as family time. This gives our people a chance to enjoy Sundays with their loved ones,” the President said.
“We always hear people say they no longer have time for their families because of commuting. This promo is our way of giving them that chance,” he added.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the initiative reflects the president’s directive to make public transport more affordable.
“President Bongbong Marcos made it clear that public transport must be accessible and affordable. This initiative will help families reduce transport costs and enjoy happier Sundays together,” Dizon said.
Under the promo, all major rail lines — including MRT-3 and LRT Lines 1 and 2 — will offer free rides to up to three family members when accompanied by one paying family member every Sunday starting 1 June. The program will run until the last Sunday of 2028.
Eligible family members include parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, and legal guardians with dependents.
