De Lima seeks House probe of Boracay bridge project

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A resolution filed at the House of Representatives seeks an inquiry in aid of legislation into the proposed 2.54-kilometer Boracay Bridge Project in Malay, Aklan, amid mounting opposition from local stakeholders over environmental and governance concerns.

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila de Lima filed the resolution on May 18, calling on the House Committee on Public Works and Highways to investigate the project’s implementation and determine its compliance with the Local Government Code of 1991, environmental laws, and consultation requirements.

The measure also seeks to determine whether “adequate and meaningful consultations” were conducted with affected communities, including Indigenous peoples and local government units, before the project’s approval and rollout.

The PHP 7.78-billion public-private partnership project was awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC) on March 30.

The project involves a 2.54-kilometer road infrastructure system, including a 1.14-kilometer bridge linking Boracay Island to Caticlan in mainland Malay, Aklan.

On April 15, the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan adopted a resolution denouncing the project’s award, citing the alleged absence of consultations with stakeholders and affected communities.

Sections 2(c), 26, and 27 of the Local Government Code require national government agencies to conduct consultations and secure prior approval from local sanggunians before implementing projects that may affect local communities.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Aklan Chapter also expressed opposition through a separate resolution, raising concerns over the project’s legitimacy and potential impact.

The mayors of Malay, Buruanga, Malinao, Nabas, and Madalag did not sign the resolution.

Critics of the bridge project warned of possible “irreversible environmental damage” to Boracay’s fragile ecosystem, including its coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and coastal integrity.

Concerns were also raised over the project’s potential socioeconomic effects, particularly the possible displacement of families dependent on inter-island transport services for their livelihood.

Indigenous Ati communities likewise expressed fears that the bridge could affect ancestral lands and cultural heritage sites.

Business groups, including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)–Boracay, suggested prioritizing upgrades to existing transport systems instead of constructing a bridge.

The resolution also cited remarks from DPWH Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, who said stakeholder consultations fall under the responsibility of the private proponent.

“[This raises] questions regarding the extent of the government’s role in ensuring compliance with consultation requirements and accountability in the implementation of national infrastructure projects,” De Lima said.

De Lima said large-scale infrastructure developments such as the Boracay Bridge must strictly comply with laws and regulations before implementation.

“There is a compelling need to ensure that major infrastructure projects comply with existing laws, uphold environmental sustainability, protect local livelihoods and indigenous communities, and respect the autonomy and participation rights of local government units,” the lawmaker said.

The resolution also urged the House committee to conduct a comprehensive review of alternative infrastructure solutions that prioritize environmental sustainability, public health, and the protection of local livelihoods.

Boracay, one of the Philippines’ top tourism destinations, underwent a six-month rehabilitation in 2018 after then-President Rodrigo Duterte described the island as a “cesspool” because of environmental degradation caused by unchecked development and inadequate wastewater management.