Marcos declares state of calamity in Eastern Visayas

Only light vehicles are allowed to pass through the San Juanico Bridge connecting Samar and Leyte Islands after the government imposed a weight limit that barred cargo trucks and other large vehicles from using the 52-year-old structure that is due for major repairs. — Photo from the Tacloban City Information Office/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas to hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge and mitigate the impact on residents of Samar and Leyte, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Tuesday.

It was declared through Proclamation No. 920 dated June 5, it said in a press release.

READ: San Juanico Bridge load limit may be increased before yearend – DPWH

The state of calamity that began last June 5 will last for about one year, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.

“There is hereby declared a state of calamity in Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) on account of escalating risks caused by significant structural compromises in San Juanico Bridge, for one year beginning this date, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant,” the proclamation read.

Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with concerned local government units, to “expedite all measures necessary to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.”

He also tasked the Department of Budget and Management to assist the DPWH in “identifying appropriate and sufficient funding sources” to support the repair and rehabilitation of the vital bridge.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies were mandated to  “undertake urgent response to ensure the safety of the people affected by the critical condition of the San Juanico Bridge, as well as all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in the affected areas, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.”

“The declaration of a state of calamity will, among others, hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, and afford the National Government, as well as local government units, ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds for the repair and safety upgrading of the subject public infrastructure,” the proclamation also read. /das