MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos questioned the government’s prioritization of infrastructure funds, criticizing the meager P451.4 million allocated for the rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge between 2018 and 2025, despite the availability of P4.7 billion in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for various Maharlika Highway projects.

In a statement, Marcos said she personally inquired where the bulk of the funding went, stressing that while other roadworks received billions, the historic bridge — built under her father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — was left with little more than repainting and no structural inspection.

“Bilyon ang linustay na pera para sa mga daanan na masayang pinagkakitaan ng kung sinu-sino, pero ang mahalagang tulay ni hindi iniinspeksyon at puro pintura lang ang ginawa,” Marcos said.

She also called out the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Speaker Martin Romualdez, without naming him directly, for allegedly ignoring concerns about the bridge’s condition.

“Bakit ako na senador ang hinahanapan mo ng aksyon, ‘yang amo mo diyan nakatira, bakit di mo tanungin?” she said, referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her brother, who frequently visits the Eastern Visayas region.

Frustrated by the lack of response from the executive and legislative leadership, Marcos ended her statement with a pointed remark: “Lahat kayo sa akin nakatingin — sana ako na lang nagpresidente.”

The San Juanico Bridge, which connects the provinces of Samar and Leyte, is widely regarded as a symbol of national unity. Marcos emphasized that neglecting its rehabilitation sends a message about the government’s current priorities in infrastructure spending.