MANILA, Philippines — Representative Jose Velasco, the House of Representatives' spokesperson, questioned Senator Imee Marcos about her contributions towards the rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge following her criticism of the allegedly insufficient funds designated for this structure from the 1970s era.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, attorney and House spokesperson Princess Abante questioned Marcos regarding her involvement with the San Juanico Bridge, as she expressed significant concern over its condition.
A weight restriction of up to three tons has been imposed on the San Juanico Bridge starting from May 8 due to multiple discovered structural weaknesses. The rehabilitation process is anticipated to last for about two years, with the total cost of the project estimated at P900 million.
"Maybe we ought to inquire Senator Imee, considering her deep concern, regarding her contributions as a senator—part of whose responsibilities include managing the nation’s budget—in maintaining the San Juanico Bridge," Abante stated.
Abante reports that the funds for the bridge were adequate even prior to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez assuming leadership of the chamber. It should be noted he also represents Leyte’s 1st District.
"The funds set aside for the San Juanico Bridge can be found in official documents," Abante stated.
"Even prior to Romualdez assuming the role of Speaker back in 2018, and being from Tacloban himself, ensuring funding for initiatives and projects benefiting his constituents has always been part of his mission," she noted additionally.
Marcos, the sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the daughter of ex-president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who oversaw the establishment of the San Juanico Bridge during his tenure, stated that only a limited budget was provided for the bridge’s restoration.
Marcos stated that the funds set aside for the bridge were sufficient only for a fresh coat of paint.
It isn’t the first instance where this matter has been brought up by an elected official. Prior to the conclusion of the 19th Congress’s legislative term, Representative Richard Gomez from Leyte’s Fourth District questioned why the administration is just now addressing the repairs needed for the San Juanico Bridge—suggesting that perhaps the delay could be attributed to Congress itself, as they are responsible for allocating funding across various initiatives.
READ: House leader calls for probe into San Juanico project
Representative Jude Acidre from Tingog party-list, who hails from Eastern Visayas, clarified that funds have been set aside by the House for repairing the San Juanico Bridge. He also mentioned that recent difficulties with the bridge stem from previous implementation challenges.
Acidre, in a statement on June 5, indicated that according to data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the following sums were allocated for the rehabilitation and upkeep of the San Juanico Bridge:
- P27 million in 2018
- P22.2 million in 2019
- P105 million in 2021
- P4.3 million for urgent maintenance work
- P90.6 million in 2022
- P150 million in 2023
"Congress has continually earmarked resources since 2018 for the upkeep and restoration of the San Juanico Bridge. This information is documented publicly, and we encourage any scrutiny of this," Acidre stated.
The present circumstances require transparent communication, proactive planning, and enhanced cooperation at the local level," he emphasized. "We acknowledge the worries expressed by our colleague, and we feel that instead of assigning fault, this presents a chance for us to collaborate and react more efficiently as a single region.
READ: Acidre: House funded San Juanico Bridge repair
Spanning 2.16 kilometers, the San Juanico Bridge links Samar and Leyte, making it one of the country’s longest bridges and a key contributor to the economic growth of Eastern Visayas.
On May 16th, a blue alert was issued for the Eastern Visayas area when a vehicle weight restriction was enforced on the 52-year-old bridge.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense has set up the San Juanico Task Group to oversee security, safety, and operational coordination during the repair works.
Recently, President Marcos declared a state of calamity over the region, to ensure that the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge will be hastened and so that measures to mitigate the impact on residents of Samar and Leyte will be available.
READ: Marcos announces state of emergency in Eastern Visayas
Marcos also assured Eastern Visayas residents that government will begin extending more assistance to those affected by the repair and rehabilitation of the over five-decades old bridge. /das