Escudero calls for review of truck overloading laws

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero is calling for a comprehensive review of laws and policies against truck and trailer overloading following the partial collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela on February 27.

Escudero wants to determine how a truck weighing 102 tons was able to get on the bridge despite its 45-ton capacity limit, noting this is likely not an isolated incident.

He cited Section 6 of Republic Act 8794 and joint circulars issued by government agencies in 2001 as key regulations to be reviewed, and suggested prohibiting reinforcements on truck beds for visual inspections to prevent overloading.

Escudero also called for determining the load capacity of roads and bridges based on concrete thickness during budget deliberations for DPWH and DOTr.

The Land Transportation Office reported nearly 400,000 truck registrations and over 16,000 apprehensions for axle overloading from January to September 2023.