Tacloban City–House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan on Monday called for enhanced coordination among government agencies and local authorities to ease disruptions caused by the ongoing restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.
Libanan cited the need for more proactive collaboration between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and local government units (LGUs).
“Given the significance of the San Juanico Bridge as a critical link between Samar and Leyte, it is vital that all concerned agencies work together seamlessly to ensure that contingency measures are well-planned and effectively communicated,” Libanan, a 4Ps party-list representative, said in a statement.
Libanan hails from Eastern Samar and served as the province’s lone congressional representative for nine years.
The DPWH imposed a three-ton gross vehicle weight limit on the bridge starting May 15 due to structural concerns and pending repairs. The bridge serves as the only land route connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte, making the weight restriction a major logistical challenge.
As a result, heavy vehicles have been forced to use roll-on/roll-off ferry services, resulting in increased costs, delays, and inconvenience for commuters, small businesses, and regional industries.
Libanan highlighted the importance of early planning, timely advisories, and expanded transport alternatives during infrastructure interventions of this scale.
“We encourage the DPWH, DOTr, OCD, and LGUs to strengthen their coordination and communication strategies to minimize the impact on the public,” Libanan said. “We’ve seen local officials and civil society stepping up in response to the situation—it’s essential that they receive the full support of national agencies.”
Libanan expressed confidence that with improved cooperation, necessary repairs can move forward without unduly paralyzing the region.
“Let’s use this as an opportunity to build a more responsive system that prioritizes public welfare and regional resilience,” he added.