A Breaking Point in Eastern Visayas: The People Demand the Second Samar–Leyte Bridge Now

To all the people of Samar, Leyte, and Biliran—this is a moment of reckoning. For decades, we have relied on the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines, as our lifeline—linking not only provinces but lives, families, commerce, and hope.

But today, the bridge that once stood for unity has become a symbol of national neglect.

San Juanico Bridge: 50 Years and Failing

Inaugurated in 1973, the San Juanico Bridge has already exceeded its expected 50-year design life. Yet, instead of seeing a replacement underway, we are only now beginning to realize the depth of deterioration—at the cost of chaos and uncertainty in the region.

This month, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) suddenly imposed a 3-ton limit on the bridge due to structural concerns, effectively cutting off most freight, cargo, and public utility vehicles. No preparation. No rerouting system. No alternatives in place.

The result?

  • Commerce disrupted

  • Daily mobility crippled

  • ₱300 million to ₱600 million in monthly economic losses

  • Thousands of lives and livelihoods affected

What’s worse, there is no public record confirming that any major study or design work for a second bridge had begun in recent years—despite the bridge’s obvious age and growing strain.

This Is Not an Accident—It Is a Failure of Leadership

This did not happen overnight.
It happened because of:

  • Years of inaction from the DPWH, which should have started planning the second bridge 10–15 years before the first bridge's end-of-life.

  • The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), for failing to allocate funds for planning or construction despite recurring warnings.

  • The Regional Development Council (RDC-8), for its inability to push this as a top priority project.

  • And finally, congressional and senatorial meddling, where project priorities were overridden in favor of political insertions.

Politicians Must Step Aside

We will no longer allow local political bickering to delay the alignment, design, or funding of the Second Samar–Leyte Bridge. We will not stand by while powerful individuals delay decisions for personal gain, while millions of Filipinos suffer.

This is not a barangay project—it is national infrastructure. Let technical experts and development planners decide its location and implementation based on logic, not loyalty.

Mr. President, the People of Eastern Visayas Are Waiting

We now appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to act:

  • Declare the Second Samar–Leyte Bridge a national infrastructure emergency.

  • Instruct DPWH and NEDA to fast-track the feasibility study and engineering design.

  • Order the immediate inclusion of the project in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

  • Put an end to political interference and let science, safety, and strategy lead the way.

A Word of Warning: Mag-Isog an Waray-Waray.

Do not underestimate the resolve of the Waray-Waray people.

We are known for our courage and endurance, but do not wait until our “isog” (fierceness) boils over. When people are pushed to the edge—when they feel ignored, betrayed, and blocked from their future—something breaks. And what breaks is not just patience. It is trust.

This is your warning. Act now.

No More Band-Aid Solutions

Repairs are not enough.
Stop-gap policies are not enough.

We need a second bridge—planned, funded, and built with urgency. We need national leadership that values the future of Eastern Visayas as much as any other region in the country.

We, the people of Samar, Leyte, and Biliran, stand united.
We demand not favors, but what is due.
We demand not sympathy, but action.

Second Bridge. Now.