Despite the government’s push to cushion the impact of weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge, only a limited number of cargo trucks have taken advantage of the free roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) service between the islands of Samar and Leyte, raising concerns about logistics efficiency and potential economic repercussions in Eastern Visayas.
Lord Byron Torrecarion, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas, said many truck operators continue to patronize commercial vessels even though these charge fees ranging from P1,500 to as much as P6,000 depending on vehicle weight.
He noted that the reluctance to use the free service stems largely from its limited schedule, with only one trip per day currently operating from Tacloban City in Leyte to Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, and another on the return route.
In an interview, Torrecarion said the constrained timetable leaves truckers little flexibility, effectively forcing them to rely on paid shipping options to meet delivery deadlines.
He stressed, however, that the free Ro-Ro service was established precisely to stabilize the flow of essential goods and prevent price hikes triggered by higher transport costs.
He emphasized that, in line with the President’s directive, the “Libreng Sakay” program should be prioritized as a critical government intervention against inflationary pressures linked to the bridge’s load limit.
Data from the OCD showed that as of June 24, only 241 vehicles had used the free service since its launch on June 18.
Of this number, 215 were cargo trucks and 26 were fuel tankers.
The program was rolled out to ensure the uninterrupted movement of food, fuel, and other vital supplies after trucks and large delivery vehicles were barred from crossing the San Juanico Bridge.
The initiative is being led by the Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Council through the OCD in Eastern Visayas, with funding amounting to P54.3 million from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Authorities expect the program to run for five months.
The government has tapped Roble Shipping Co. to operate the route, which is now running 24 hours a day to address logistical demand, with each trip capable of accommodating around 18 to 20 trucks depending on vehicle size.
The free service, however, is limited to trucks carrying perishable and essential goods.
Torrecarion said he plans to raise the issue with the Philippine Ports Authority to explore the possibility of increasing the number of free trips, noting that higher frequency could encourage more truckers to shift away from commercial vessels.
The Libreng Sakay program was introduced following the Department of Public Works and Highways’ decision to impose a three-ton weight limit on the San Juanico Bridge in May after structural cracks were discovered during a routine inspection.
Built in 1973, the 2.16-kilometer bridge is a crucial economic lifeline in Eastern Visayas, linking Samar and Leyte and connecting the region to the rest of the country.
The restrictions have heightened fears of supply disruptions and slowed economic activity, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation while preparing long-term repair and upgrade plans.
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