Luzon-Visayas tunnel project may get JICA, ADB funds

The proposed Luzon–Visayas fixed link, envisioned either as an undersea tunnel or a bridge across the San Bernardino Strait, is being positioned as a foreign-assisted project to ensure transparency and efficiency in implementation, House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said recently.

“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.

He emphasized that the project is intended to follow the Foreign-Assisted Project (FAP) model—used in major infrastructure developments such as the Metro Manila Subway and Cebu’s Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

“The project is envisioned to follow the FAP model. This will ensure discipline, transparency, and foreign donor scrutiny from day one,” Libanan added.

The renewed urgency for a permanent Luzon–Visayas connection comes in the wake of severe congestion at the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon during the Christmas and New Year holidays, where the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry system was overwhelmed.

“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 includes PHP 130 million for a feasibility study on the fixed link.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to sign the measure into law by the first week of January.

The planned structure would span approximately 28 kilometers between Sorsogon and Northern Samar, aiming to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods and people—unlike the current ferry system, which is often suspended due to adverse weather.

“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 said continuous oversight by foreign consultants and auditors ensures zero tolerance for irregularities throughout the implementation of FAPs.

“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.

He cited the Metro Manila Subway and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge as successful examples of Japanese ODA-funded projects carried out with high standards for procurement and project monitoring.

“These projects demonstrate that when donor safeguards are in place, infrastructure can be delivered efficiently, transparently, and with public confidence,” Libanan said.