Tacloban under state of emergency amid San Juanico Bridge concerns

The Tacloban City Council declared Thursday a state of emergency as access to San Juanico Bridge, which links the islands of Samar and Leyte in Eastern Visayas, remains limited ahead of planned repairs on the structure.

According to a statement by the city's information office, the declaration seeks to quickly mobilize resources while ensuring public safety.

"With restricted access to San Juanico, the main gateway in and out of Tacloban, the city is facing serious concerns related to economic flow, emergency response, and supply chain delays," the statement read.

It added, "This declaration allows the local government to act faster, allocate emergency funds, and coordinate with national agencies for support."

In the same announcement, the Tacloban information office noted that Section 16 of the Local Government Code and other national disaster protocols provides for a state of emergency declaration "when public safety is at risk or when immediate action is needed to respond to a crisis or disruption of essential services."

San Juanico Bridge, a major artery for the transport of goods, medical supplies, and essential travel, has experienced restricted access in recent days, raising concerns over economic disruptions and emergency response delays.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has said the cost of emergency repairs on the San Juanico Bridge could reach some P500 million.

A recent assessment by the DPWH raised concerns about the bridge's structural integrity.

As part of precautions, DPWH has temporarily prohibited vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge.

Since May 18, pedestrians have been prohibited from crossing the bridge on foot. Instead, they should use coasters and light vehicles for their safety.

The Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier recommended to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan the declaration of a state of emergency in the province.

Built in 1969 and completed in 1973, San Juanico Bridge is the the third longest bridge spanning a body of seawater in the Philippines. — Sherylin Untalan/ VDV, GMA Integrated News