San Juanico Bridge rehab necessary – Malacañang

MANILA, Philippines — Amid commuters’ complaints of restrictions imposed on San Juanico Bridge, Malacañang yesterday said the bridge’s P900-million rehabilitation is necessary to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

“We prefer to avoid accidents that may happen if it is not fixed early,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

The deterioration of the bridge earlier led the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Eastern Visayas to place the region under blue alert, meaning over 50 percent of state agencies’ personnel must be prepared for possible response operations.

Vehicles weighing over three tons are not allowed to pass through the bridge. Pedestrians have been prohibited from crossing the bridge since Sunday.

Thirteen shuttle buses were deployed by the Department of Public Works and Highways to help commuters.