House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has filed a series of legislative measures seeking the construction of permanent marine linkages, via long-span bridges or undersea tunnels,to interconnect major island provinces in the Visayas region.
Libanan introduced House Bills 11499, 11500, and 11501 to establish fixed transport routes between Cebu and Negros Oriental, Cebu and Bohol, and Bohol and Southern Leyte, respectively.
“These proposed marine links are about connecting communities, opening economic opportunities, and making the movement of people and goods between our islands more efficient,” Libanan said in a statement accompanying the filings. “We need to look beyond our existing inter-island ferry systems and explore permanent transport connections that can strengthen the integration of the Visayas.”
Under House Bill No. 11499, a bridge or undersea tunnel would connect Santander, Cebu, to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, establishing a continuous land route between Cebu and Negros Island. The scope encompasses necessary approach infrastructure, interchanges and arterial connections.
Meanwhile, House Bill No. 11500 proposes a permanent link connecting Getafe, Bohol, to Cordova, Cebu. The direct route aims to streamline commercial traffic and expand access to health services, job markets, and industrial centers across both provinces.
Additionally, House Bill No. 11501 seeks a permanent road connection linking Maasin City, Southern Leyte, to Ubay, Bohol, passing through Lapinig Island. The multi-segment plan covers infrastructure spans across the water channels separating the mainland municipalities and Lapinig Island.
Recognizing the technical complexity and financial requirements of large-scale marine infrastructure, Libanan underscored the need for rigorous preparatory work.
“These projects should be studied carefully and comprehensively before any construction decision is made,” he noted.
The bills stipulate that funding for comprehensive feasibility studies and preliminary engineering designs should be appropriated under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and executed by qualified international engineering consultants with proven experience in long-span bridge and subsea tunnel construction.
Libanan added that the government could tap bilateral development partners and international funding agencies for technical assistance and grant support to ensure scientific and structural rigor during the initial evaluation phases.