MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ PROCLAMATION NO. 920, June 05, 2025 ]
DECLARING A STATE OF CALAMITY IN REGION VIII (EASTERN VISAYAS)
WHEREAS, the San Juanico Bridge, 1 2.16-kilometer bridge which serves as the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte, is a vital component of the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway/AH26), which connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao;
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted an assessment of the San Juanico Bridge and determined the same to be in critical condition due to significant structural compromises to the bridge, prompting the enforcement of a strict three (3)-ton vehicle load limit effective 15 May 2025;
WHEREAS, the traffic controls currently in effect in San Juanico Bridge to prevent overloads and mitigate risks halted passage of heavy cargo vehicles, thereby severely disrupting the transport of food, medicine, agricultural products, construction materials, and other essential commodities across Eastern Visayas;
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge to ensure timely delivery of essential goods and services and restore regional mobility;
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 16, in relation to Section 6(c), both of Republic Act (RA) No. 10121, or the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010," the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through Resolution No. 1 (s. 20250), has recommended the declaration of State of Calamity in Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) on account of the escalating risks caused by the significant structural compromises in San Juanico Bridge;
WHEREAS, under Section 3 of RA No. 10121, a State of Calamity pertains to a condition involving mass casualty and/or major damages to property, disruption of livelihoods, roads, and normal way of life of people in the affected areas as a result of the occurrence of natural or human-induced hazard; and
WHEREAS, the declaration of a State of Calamity will, among others, hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, and afford the National Government, as well as local government units (LGUs), ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds for the repair and safety upgrading of the subject public infrastructure;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby proclaim as follows:
Section 1. Declaration of a State of Calamity. There is hereby declared a State of Calamity in Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) on account of escalating risks caused by significant structural compromises in San Juanico Bridge, for a period of one (1) year beginning this date, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.
The DPWH, in coordination with the concerned LGUs, is hereby directed to expedite all measures necessary to fully repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge.ℒαwρhi৷
The Department of Budget and Management is hereby directed to assist the DPWH in identifying appropriate and sufficient funding sources to support the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge.
Law enforcement agencies, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are hereby directed to undertake urgent response to ensure the safety of the people affected by the critical condition of the San Juan Bridge, as well as all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in the affected areas, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
Section 2. Convergence. All departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the National Government are hereby directed, and all LGUs and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to render full support and assistance to and cooperation with each other, and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate measures in a timely manner to fully repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge.
Section 3. Reporting. The NDRRMC and DPWH shall submit to the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, a quarterly report on the implementation of this Proclamation.
Section 4. Separability. If any part or provision of this Proclamation is held invalid or unconstitutional, the provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the President to be affixed.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 5th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Five.
(Sgd.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR.
By the President:
(Sgd.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary
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