TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 12 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the reopening of the San Juanico Bridge to heavier vehicles after six months of retrofitting, completing the work ahead of the Christmas holidays.

The President lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways for accelerating repairs, allowing 15-ton trucks to cross the iconic bridge connecting Samar and Leyte.

"Our cargo trucks that previously couldn't cross will now be able to cross," Marcos told reporters, noting the improvement over the initial goal of 12-ton capacity by year-end.

The bridge had been closed to vehicles weighing more than three tons since May 15 due to structural deterioration from aging and weather.

At least PHP520 million from the nation...