San Juanico Bridge: Steel, Scandal, Symbol

In this episode, we bridge the gap between myth and reality as we explore the history and infamy of the San Juanico Bridge. Often romanticized as Ferdinand Marcos’s “gift of love” to Imelda, this iconic structure connecting Leyte and Samar is also a concrete symbol of the Marcos regime’s controversial “edifice complex,” cronyism, and international scandal. From its politically charged origins and its dark association with a Martial Law torture method to its crucial role as a lifeline during disasters like Super Typhoon Yolanda, we unpack the complicated legacy of an engineering marvel. How can a single object represent both national pride and national shame, and how do we remember a past built in steel and stone? Listen now to find out.