President Marcos has issued Proclamation No. 920 declaring a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas to expedite the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge and mitigate the impact on the residents of Samar and Leyte.

The one-year state of calamity, recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), started on June 5 but may be lifted earlier or extended if needed.

“There is an urgent need to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge to ensure timely delivery of essential goods and services and restore regional mobility,” the President said.

Completed in 1973, the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge is the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte and a key component of the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway/AH26), which connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

However, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assessment found the San Juanico Bridge in critical condition, prompting the imposition of a strict three-ton vehicle load limit effective May 15.

The restriction has effectively halted the passage of heavy cargo vehicles, severely disrupting the transport of food, medicine, agricultural products, construction materials, and other essential commodities across Eastern Visayas.

Proclamation No. 920 directed the DPWH, in coordination with concerned local government units (LGUs), to “expedite all measures necessary to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.”

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall assist the DPWH in “identifying appropriate and sufficient funding sources” to support the repair and rehabilitation of the vital bridge.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, were directed 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.”

President Marcos also ordered all departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the national government, and encouraged all LGUs and the private sector to fully support, cooperate, and “mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate measures promptly to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.”

“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 LGUs, ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds for the repair and safety upgrading of the subject public infrastructure,” the proclamation read.

Last month, Malacañang appealed for understanding over the ongoing rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, saying the inconvenience it causes residents and businesses is outweighed by the need to prevent possible disasters.

According to Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, the project should be seen from a long-term safety perspective, rather than as a short-term disruption.

"Mas nanaisin po talaga na maiwasan kung anumang maaaring idulot ng disgrasya kung ito man ay hindi maayos nang maaga (It is better to prevent any possible accidents that could happen if the bridge is not repaired early)," she said on May 19.

The Palace Press Officer assured the public that the government is taking steps to ease the impact on affected communities.

The current rehabilitation effort has restricted vehicular access, prompting concerns from business owners and residents.