Biz leaders warn bridge restrictions to hurt economy

A coalition of major business and industry groups in Eastern Visayas has issued a joint resolution calling on the Philippine government to immediately craft and implement an urgent economic mitigation plan in response to a newly enforced axle-load restriction on the San Juanico Bridge, a key infrastructure link between the islands of Leyte and Samar.

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The resolution, signed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Tacloban-Leyte, the national Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tacloban Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Philippine Constructors Association-Leyte Chapter, and the Drugstores Association of the Philippines, was adopted in Tacloban City on May 15, 2025. It follows a May 8 directive from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) limiting bridge access to vehicles weighing no more than 3 tons, citing structural safety concerns after a recent inspection.

The move has effectively halted the movement of heavy trucks and buses across the bridge, disrupting supply chains critical to agriculture, health services, construction, and disaster response logistics in Eastern Visayas—one of the Philippines’ most vulnerable and least connected regions.

Business leaders are warning that the restrictions could inflict long-term economic damage unless mitigated swiftly.

“The San Juanico Bridge is not just a symbol of regional unity—it is a lifeline for commerce, logistics, and public safety,” said Eugene A. Tan, President of PCCI Tacloban-Leyte.