Manila, Dec. 12 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed optimism that the San Juanico Bridge would be fully operational by mid-2026, allowing each traffic lane to handle a load capacity of up to 33 metric tons.

During an on-site inspection of the San Juanico Bridge in Tacloban City, Marcos said he is "very happy" that the bridge's full restoration is "very close to our deadline."

"It will be finished next year. The repair of San Juanico Bridge is partially finished. It will be finished next year so that the bridge will be able to take again the load of 33 tons going both ways," he said after inspecting the bridge.

"Hopefully by the middle of next year, third quarter of next year, fully functional na ito (it will alread...