Congress Commits Nearly P400 Million for San Juanico Bridge
Since 2018, Congress has consistently allocated close to P400 million for the rehabilitation and repair of the 52-year-old San Juanico Bridge. This funding commitment reflects the growing concerns over the aging structure, which connects Leyte and Samar and remains vital to the Visayas region’s economy and daily life.
House Assistant Majority Leader Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre shared this update on June 5 amid worries raised by Leyte 4th district Rep. Richard Gomez. Gomez questioned whether lawmakers had been “remiss” in addressing the bridge’s budgetary needs, especially given its recent partial closure.
Funding Details and Legislative Support for San Juanico Bridge
Acidre assured the public that Congress has made the San Juanico Bridge a priority. “Since 2018, Congress has consistently allocated funds for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge. This is a matter of public record, and we welcome any review of it,” he emphasized.
According to data from government sources, the amounts appropriated over the years include ₱27 million in 2018, ₱22.2 million in 2019, ₱105 million in 2021, ₱4.3 million for emergency repairs, ₱90.6 million in 2022, and ₱150 million in 2023. These funds total approximately P399.1 million.
Local leaders also highlighted the role of Speaker Martin Romualdez, a native of Tacloban and Leyte’s 1st district representative, who has long championed infrastructure projects, including proposals for a second San Juanico Bridge to enhance regional connectivity.
Concerns Raised During Plenary Session
During a plenary session on June 2, Rep. Gomez voiced his concerns about the timing of the repairs, suggesting they could have been completed earlier to prevent disruption. He defended the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), questioning whether Congress may have overlooked budget requests for the bridge.
“Because as reported, every year, every budget year, nirerequest nila yun. Baka kung sakaling hindi naibigay yun, baka tayo yung nag-remiss. Baka nakalimutan lang natin. Baka hindi natin nakita na talagang kailangan palang pondohan ang pagpapaayos ng San Juanico Bridge, Mr. Speaker,” Gomez said.
Implementation Challenges and Call for Cooperation
Acidre responded by explaining that while funding has been regularly provided, recent difficulties stem from gaps in implementation and coordination among agencies. “The current situation calls for clear communication, forward planning, and stronger collaboration on the ground,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to see this as an opportunity to unite and respond effectively, stating, “We respect the concerns raised by our colleague, and we believe that rather than assign blame, this is an opportunity to work together and respond more effectively as one region.”
Structural Limitations Impact Travel and Commerce
On May 8, DPWH imposed a three-ton axle load limit on the San Juanico Bridge after detecting structural vulnerabilities. This restriction has caused travel delays and logistical challenges, directly affecting residents and businesses in the Eastern Visayas.
The ongoing repairs highlight the critical need to maintain this key infrastructure and to strengthen efforts for long-term solutions.
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