Marcos: San Juanico Bridge maintainer failed its mandate

The maintainer of the iconic San Juanico Bridge, which connects the provinces of Samar and Leyte, has failed in its responsibility, placing the 53-year-old structure at risk of collapse, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

This was the President’s assessment during his inspection of Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar on Wednesday, accompanied by officials from the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Transportation, and local government units.

“When we asked the locals if the maintainer of the bridge was even inspecting the bridge, they said no. This is the reason why the bridge now has corrosion, and the bottom of the bridge is deteriorating," Marcos said in an ambush interview. "The timber supports are giving way. When the DPWH inspected it, they said the bridge was in worse condition than expected.”

The President emphasized that the bridge should be inspected every three years, but authorities have yet to determine who is currently responsible for its maintenance.

“During the time of my father, it was well maintained. After 1986, it seems maintenance stopped,” he added in a mix of English and Filipino.

With logistics affected by restricted access to the bridge, Marcos said mitigation plans are in progress.

“We will impose a system so that perishable goods will be transported. Tacloban is a center of commerce. Gradual retrofitting per section will be done. We hope we can finish this in one year,” he said.

To help ease transport between Samar and Leyte, the Philippine Ports Authority earlier announced the release of ₱400 million to expand and modernize key ports in Samar. The funds, drawn from its Corporate Operating Budget, will support the development of Amandayehan Port, identified as a strategic alternative route due to its proximity to Tacloban Port.