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 if current enforcement mechanisms are effective, especially after a truck weighing 102 tons reportedly caused the bridge's collapse despite its 45-ton capacity limit.

He cited Section 6 of Republic Act 8794 and joint circulars issued by government agencies in 2001 as key regulations to be reviewed.

Escudero questioned the presence and effectiveness of weighbridges along national roads, noting that trucks are often overloaded after passing these checkpoints.

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

Escudero suggested practical measures such as prohibiting reinforcements on truck beds and conducting visual inspections to prevent overloading.

He plans to require a detailed accounting of expenses related to infrastructure damage due to overloading during deliberations on the 2026 budget for DPWH and DOTr.