Palace wants public to look at San Juanico rehab in a positive way

Malacañang on Monday said the rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge in Eastern Visayas should be looked at in a positive way, saying this will prevent future accidents.

''Ito lamang po ang una nating ipaparating, ito'y ayon sa ating Pangulo, ang pagrerehabilitate po, masasabi natin magkakaroon ng epekto sa taumbayan, sa concerned citizens na nandoon sa lugar pero tingnan po natin ito sa mas positibong aspeto dahil ito po ay rehabilitation,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a briefing.

(This is what we'll say, this is from our President, the rehabilitation will really affect the public, our concerned citizens in the area but let's look at it in a positive way since it's a rehabilitation.)

''Mas nanaisin po talaga na maiwasan kung anumang maaaring idulot na disgrasya kung ito man ay di maaayos nang maaga,'' Castro added.

(We prefer to prevent future accidents from happening.)

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) earlier said the cost of the emergency repair of the bridge could reach P500 million.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways, the recent assessment raised concerns about San Juanico Bridge's structural integrity. It temporarily prohibited vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge.

Authorities are already on blue alert following the enforcement of the vehicle weight limit. A blue alert status means both agencies are at a heightened preparedness and alertness. —AOL, GMA Integrated News