The Tacloban City Council has declared the city under a state of emergency, following the limited access to San Juanico Bridge.

"This move aims to mobilize resources quickly and ensure public safety, especially as the San Juanico Bridge serves as a critical lifeline for goods, medical supplies, and travel between Leyte and Samar," an official statement on Tacloban City Information Office social media page reads.

The state of emergency was declared on May 29, 2025. 

Under Section 16 of the Local Government Code and relevant national disaster protocols, a state of emergency can be declared when public safety is at risk or when immediate action is needed to respond to a crisis or disruption of essential services, the Council pointed out. 

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