DPWH reviews plan to allow heavy trucks on San Juanico Bridge

The Department of Public Works and Highways is studying a proposal to allow heavy trucks to cross the San Juanico Bridge at night.

Businessman and Leyte Board Member Wilson Uy said the proposal, forwarded to DPWH, seeks to allow vehicles up to 30 tons to use one lane at a time during nighttime.

He said the proposal is now being studied for feasibility.

"If approved, this could be a big boost to our local economy—helping farmers, traders, transporters, and businesses move goods more efficiently while still prioritizing safety and structural integrity of the bridge," Uy said.

He added that the measure is a "balanced solution where economic recovery and public safety go hand in hand."

The bridge was opened to vehicles up to 15 tons last Friday after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made an inspection visit.

DPWH imposed a 3-ton limit in May after structural defects were found.

No substantial reduction

Meanwhile, both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry do not expect a substantial drop in prices of food and basic goods from the easing of load restrictions at San Juanico Bridge.

Siali Cosares, planning specialist at DTI-8, said transportation costs are only a small component of the prices of basic goods and services.

Dioscoro Gasatan, supervising agriculturist at the DA regional office, said the increased load limit has eased transport of agricultural products, which may eventually lower input costs.

However, he added that price reductions will be slow and will likely be felt during the Christmas season, especially given the high demand for food.

Mae Almonte, chief statistical specialist at the Philippine Statistics Authority, said Eastern Visayas has consistently registered lower inflation rates compared with the national average despite load restrictions at the bridge.

PSA data shows that from May to November this year, Eastern Visayas recorded inflation between -0.2 percent and 0.7 percent.

Almonte said the regional inflation rate has remained below the 2-4 percent target set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee.