PALO, Leyte — Recent upgrades to the iconic San Juanico Bridge have failed to fully clear logistics bottlenecks along the Maharlika Highway, as a deteriorating bridge in Samar has become a costly roadblock for the transport of goods between Luzon and Mindanao.

The Calbiga Bridge, a 360-meter span in Samar, has been off-limits to heavy trucks and wing vans weighing more than 15 tons since 27 October 2025. The restriction follows a structural assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that revealed corrosion, damaged bearings and loose girder connections.

The DPWH estimates the necessary repairs and retrofitting will cost P140 million.

Business leaders are now calling on the national government to fast-track the funding. In a letter sent Wednesday to the Regional Development Council Eastern Visayas, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tacloban-Leyte president Eugene Tan urged officials to prioritize the project.

The letter was addressed to Leyte Governor Carlos Jerico Petilla, who serves as the RDC chairman.

While the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation successfully increased load capacity and eased traffic for truckers, Tan said the limitations at Calbiga have created a “critical bottleneck.”

Because of the weight limit, heavy trucks must take a 250-kilometer detour through Eastern Samar. Tan estimated the alternative route adds P10,000 to P15,000 in logistics expenses per trip.

“This has placed a substantial burden on businesses, contractors and suppliers operating not only within the region but also in other parts of the country that rely on this vital corridor,” Tan said.

The PCCI Tacloban-Leyte and the Philippine Constructors Association Leyte Chapter argued that repairing the bridge is essential for public safety and regional economic efficiency.