Logistics providers operating around 1,700 trucks daily to deliver goods to the Visayas region via the San Francisco Bridge are experiencing a doubling of cargo transfer costs following the closure of the bridge, which connects the provinces of Samar and Leyte.
Manuel L. Onrejas Jr., CEO for Logistics at FAST Logistics, shared this during a media interview on the sidelines of the signing of the Pledge of Support for the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Center on June 18, 2025. He said logistics companies have been absorbing the additional costs over the past two to three weeks, with the backing of their principals.
“Costs have doubled. For instance, if the cost was P1,000, it is now P2,000. We cover the cost initially, then negotiate with our principals, who have been very supportive,” said Onrejas.
He explained that the increased expenses are due to the need for break-bulk operations. Truckers, especially those using wing vans, are now forced to carry out multi-point deliveries involving multiple handling steps and several smaller trucks.
In FAST Logistics’ case, they are deploying ten 10- to 20-ton trucks daily from Luzon to their branches in Leyte. Due to the current limitations, they have resorted to using L-300 vans to deliver goods in smaller volumes.
When asked how long logistics firms can sustain the added burden, Onrejas responded, “We can endure as long as our principals continue to support us.” Otherwise, he said, they may have to seek assistance from the government.
To address the disruption, the government is expediting the construction of a new San Juanico Bridge. In the meantime, it is implementing both short- and long-term programs to maintain connectivity along the Pan-Philippine Highway—a vital network of roads, expressways, and ferry services linking the major islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Despite the recent opening of the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, Onrejas noted continued congestion and emphasized the need for more ports and additional roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels. The government has also launched a new direct route connecting Mindanao and Luzon.
Onrejas proposed establishing a new route between Cebu and Samar to bypass the San Juanico corridor. He also advocated for increased frequency and more Ro-Ro vessels along newly opened routes.
Earlier this month, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, who joined President Marcos Jr. during an inspection of the San Juanico Bridge, announced that a new bridge would span the Samar-Leyte channel within a year. He also said the current bridge’s load limit may be gradually increased from 3 tons to 4 tons, eventually accommodating 12-ton trucks.
