OCD Urges Probe on Fare Hikes Amid San Juanico Bridge Crisis
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has urged transportation agencies to investigate the recent surge in passenger and cargo fares in Eastern Visayas, linked to the ongoing San Juanico Bridge crisis. This key four-word keyphrase, “San Juanico Bridge fare hikes,” highlights the growing concern over travel costs affecting routes to Tacloban, Catarman, and Ormoc City.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno sent a formal letter to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, expressing worry that recent load restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge may have triggered these fare increases. Nepomuceno called on DOTr, through agencies like the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), to act swiftly in investigating and regulating these price hikes.
“We respectfully appeal to the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to immediately look into this matter and implement appropriate legal measures to thwart or regulate these purported airfare and cargo fare increases,” Nepomuceno emphasized.
Calls for Expanded Flights and Transport Permits
To ease the strain on affected commuters and cargo handlers, Nepomuceno suggested increasing the number of flights to regional airports such as Ormoc, Calbayog, and Catarman. He noted, “Considering the size of these airports, runway capacity, and night-rated navigation ability, we hope other similar options could be discussed to decongest Tacloban Airport.”
The civil defense chief stressed that controlling fare hikes and improving transport options would help reduce public frustration and stabilize the region’s economy. Additionally, the OCD recommended issuing provisional permits and certificates of public convenience for public transport and goods movement to complement the increased flights.
These measures would involve coordination among the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to ensure smooth implementation.
San Juanico Bridge Weight Limit Sparks Economic Concerns
The San Juanico Bridge, a vital link on the Maharlika Highway, was partially closed after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) imposed a three-ton weight limit on May 14 due to its deteriorating condition. The bridge normally handles over 14,000 vehicles daily, including nearly 1,400 heavy trucks.
This restriction has stranded more than 200 vehicles and is estimated to cause monthly economic losses between P300 million and P600 million. Local sources noted the bridge’s importance for inter-island transport, commerce, and connectivity.
To address the crisis, the OCD recommended that President Marcos Jr. declare a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas. This would fast-track funding and rehabilitation efforts to restore essential logistics and public services.
According to estimates from disaster management authorities, approximately P7 billion is required for the full repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge.
For more news and updates on San Juanico Bridge fare hikes, visit Filipinokami.com.