San Juanico Bridge repair 'partially finished' – Marcos

The rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge is partially finished, with full completion expected by the third quarter of next year, President Marcos assured the people of Samar and Leyte yesterday, even as he directed authorities to ensure proper maintenance of the 52-year-old bridge to avoid socioeconomic disruption.

- By HELEN FLORES

Marcos said the retrofitting cost the government P1.1 billion

“That is money that we could have saved if proper maintenance was carried out on San Juanico,” Marcos said as he led the reopening of the 2.15-kilometer bridge to two-way traffic after several months of repair work.

Marcos said they expect the complete rehabilitation by the third quarter of 2026.

"I'm very happy that I'm able to say now, it is very close to our deadline. And so, the San Juanico Bridge is partially finished. It will be finished next year so that the bridge will be able to take again the load of 33 tons going both ways," the President said.