Manila, July 11 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is guaranteeing the completion of the retrofitting works in San Juanico Bridge on or before December this year, with current preparatory works ahead of budget release.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, DPWH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Edgar Tabacon said he is confident that the PHP520-million budget for the modification of the iconic bridge will be downloaded soon, in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive.

Marcos earlier ordered to speed up the retrofitting activity and raise the load capacity of the bridge from the current three tons to 12 to 15 tons before the end of the year.

"While waiting for the disaster risk reduction management fu...