Tacloban: The Regional Development Council (RDC) has passed a resolution requesting the Office of the President to immediately release PHP1.17 billion in funds for the rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge this year. The resolution was presented during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s visit to the San Juanico Bridge.

According to Philippines News Agency, RDC infrastructure committee chair Edgar Tabacon, who also serves as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional director, stated that the resolution seeks the allocation of immediate funding to the DPWH regional office. The objective is to strengthen and restore the San Juanico Bridge to its original 33-ton load capacity.

The resolution further calls on the Department of Budget and Management to identify and recommend financing sources to the President to ensure the immediate funding for the strengthening works of the San Juanico Bridge within the year. Tabacon expressed the DPWH's commitment to swiftly preparing the necessary project implementation documents to facilitate immediate procurement once the funds are released.

Tabacon emphasized the urgency of the fund release, especially since the region has been declared under a state of calamity. He noted that if the funds become available, civil works could commence immediately and be completed within five months.

The RDC-Executive Committee has suggested that at least PHP500 million of the requested amount could be sourced from the 2025 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Funds. The total rehabilitation cost of the bridge is estimated at PHP7 billion, with funding expected from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Full rehabilitation will only begin after the completion of a second San Juanico Bridge, ensuring no total closure occurs.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan previously stated that retrofitting is a temporary measure until an alternative bridge is constructed. The actual start of work for the new bridge is slated for 2027.

Currently, a three-ton load limit on the 52-year-old San Juanico Bridge has been in place since May 15, preventing trucks and buses from crossing the 2.16 km bridge and causing logistical challenges in the Leyte and Samar provinces. Alternative roll-on, roll-off routes have been identified for cargo trucks in the islands of Leyte and Samar.