Marcos eyes higher San Juanico Bridge load limit

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. plans to raise the load limit of the San Juanico Bridge to 12 tons by December this year.

“Our target is that by December, before the year ends, vehicles weighing up to 12 tons can use the bridge,” Marcos said in his BBM Podcast aired Friday.

He underscored the urgency of the project, warning officials, “That’s a test. If you don’t finish it on time, I’ll accept your resignation.”

Marcos also apologized to residents of Samar and Leyte affected by the rehabilitation works, assuring them that safety remains the government’s top priority.

“I’m sorry this happened. I know what you’re going through — our transport operators, our businessmen,” he said. “Rest assured, we’re expediting repairs to resolve this quickly.”

In May, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the current three-ton limit, imposed due to structural concerns, may be raised by the last quarter of the year. However, the bridge’s full capacity will only be restored once a new parallel bridge is constructed.

The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, completed in 1973, connects Samar and Leyte.

‘Fix the problem, not the blame’

Marcos emphasized that solving problems should come first before assigning blame, especially in times of crisis.

“I always keep one thing in mind: your first reaction should be to fix the problem, not to assign blame,” Marcos said.

Marcos made the statement in reference to the recent power crisis in Siquijor, where prolonged blackouts affected thousands of families, businesses and schools.

“People keep asking, ‘Who should be held responsible?’ That can come later. Let’s fix the problem first,” he added.

On 11 June, Marcos visited Siquijor to personally oversee efforts to restore electricity. The next day, two generator sets from Palawan Electric Cooperative arrived to boost supply.

By 14 June, the National Electrification Administration fully restored stable power in the province.

Marcos also gave authorities six months to implement long-term solutions, including a review of the operations of Siquijor Island Power Corporation.