THE proposed Luzon-Visayas fixed link, whether built as a bridge or an undersea tunnel, is expected to move forward as a foreign-assisted project (FAP), following the model of the Metro Manila Subway and Cebu’s Marcelo Fernan Bridge, House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said on Monday.
“We are counting on foreign development partners such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help finance and oversee the tunnel or bridge project to insulate it from political interference and corruption,” Libanan said.
“The project is envisioned to follow the FAP model. This will ensure discipline, transparency, and foreign donor scrutiny from day one,” Libanan added.
The urgency of the fixed link between Luzon and the Visayas has once again been highlighted by the severe congestion recently experienced at the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon during the Christmas and New Year travel rush, where the RORO ferry system was overwhelmed, forcing passengers and vehicles to endure long queues and extended waiting times.
“The bottleneck at Matnog is not just an inconvenience—it is a structural weakness in our national transport network. Every holiday season, the same problem repeats itself, disrupting mobility, trade, and emergency access between Luzon and the Visayas,” Libanan said.
The proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to sign into law by the first week of January, includes ₱130 million for the feasibility study of the Luzon–Visayas bridge or tunnel project.
The proposed fixed link across the San Bernardino Strait, spanning roughly 28 kilometers between Sorsogon and Northern Samar, is intended to provide a permanent connection that guarantees uninterrupted movement of people and goods, unlike the existing ferry system that is frequently disrupted by weather disturbances.
“Foreign-assisted projects are designed with built-in safeguards. Donor agencies impose strict procurement rules, require independent technical and financial reviews, and release funds only after verifiable milestones are met,” Libanan explained.
He noted that FAPs are subject to continuous oversight by foreign consultants and external auditors with zero tolerance for irregularities.
“FAPs are widely regarded as among the cleanest forms of infrastructure spending. The presence of international donors creates a double layer of accountability. Every peso is tracked, every contract is scrutinized, and every delay or deviation is questioned,” Libanan pointed out.
As examples, Libanan cited the Metro Manila Subway Project, which is being financed largely through Japanese Official Development Assistance coursed through JICA, and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge (Second Mactan-Cebu Bridge), also funded by Japanese ODA and implemented under strict donor standards.
“These projects demonstrate that when donor safeguards are in place, infrastructure can be delivered efficiently, transparently, and with public confidence,” Libanan said.
