Marcos warns officials: raise San Juanico Bridge load limit to 12 tons by Dec

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. warned government officials on Friday that they face potential dismissal if the load limit of the San Juanico Bridge is not increased to 12 tons by December.

Marcos emphasized in his latest podcast and recent interview that the schedule must be met before the end of the year, otherwise he will accept their resignation.

The President apologized to residents in Samar and Leyte affected by the bridge's rehabilitation, stressing the government's commitment to their safety and ensuring the transport of perishable goods during the restriction period.

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan had previously suggested that load limits could be increased in the last quarter of this year as part of ongoing efforts.

Built in 1969 and completed in 1973 by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the San Juanico Bridge currently restricts vehicles over three tons due to structural concerns, affecting not only Samar and Leyte but also Mindanao.

Marcos declared a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas to hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the iconic bridge and mitigate the impact on residents.