Due to San Juanico bridge rehab: EV state of calamity declared

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a State of Calamity to the whole Region VIII or Eastern Visayas due to the escalating risks caused by significant structural compromises in San Juanico Bridge which affects the livelihood of those living in the area.

According to Marcos, the State of Calamity, listed under Proclamation No. 920, will be implemented for a period of one year beginning 5 June, unless earlier lifted or extended as “circumstances may warrant.”

With the declaration of the State of Calamity, the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge will be hastened. It will also enable local government units (LGUs) to utilize appropriate funds for the repair and safety upgrading of the structure.

With this, the Department of Public Works and HIghways (DPWH) are directed to coordinate with the concerned LGUs to expedite all measures necessary to fully repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge.

The Department of Budget and Management is also tasked to assist the DPWH in identifying appropriate and sufficient funding sources to support the repair and rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies, with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are ordered to ensure the safety of the people affected by the critical condition of the San Juanico Bridge as well as implement necessary measures to ensure peace and order in the affected areas, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

Marcos urged all departments, agencies, bureaus and offices in the national government to render full support and assistance and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate measures in a timely manner to fully repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the DPWH are required to submit quarterly reports on the implementation of the Proclamation to the Office of the President and the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Earlier, the DPWH imposed a weight limit on the bridge. Only vehicles weighing three tons are allowed to pass through the bridge since 15 May.

Other heavy cargo vehicles carrying food, medicine, agricultural products, construction materials and other essential commodities are advised to take alternative routes, including the use of roll on/roll off (RoRo) vessels.