A LAWMAKER from the House of Representatives is questioning the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) approval of the P7.8-billion bridge to connect Boracay Island to the Aklan mainland amid massive opposition to the project.
On May 18, 2026, Partylist Rep. Leila M de Lima (Mamayang Liberal) filed House Resolution 1021 asking the House Committee on Public Works and Highways and other appropriate committees to jointly ‘conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the implementation of the proposed Boracay Bridge Project, for the purpose of determining compliance with the consultation requirements under Sections 2(c), 26, and 27 of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, as well as the need for the conduct of a transparent, independent, and science-based environmental impact assessment addressing the project’s effects on Boracay Island’s ecosystem, biodiversity, coastal integrity, and carrying capacity.’
She also urged said House committees to comprehensively review ‘alternative infrastructure and transport solutions that prioritize environmental sustainability, disaster resilience, public health, and the protection of local livelihoods.’ Rep. Romeo S. Momo Sr. (First District, Surigao del Sur) chairs the House committee on Public Works and Highways.
The 2.54-kilometer bridge system is an unsolicited project by San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC), the infrastructure arm of the Ramon S. Ang-led food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp.
BusinessMirror found that the DPWH issued a notice of award for the public-private partnership project to SMHC on the same day Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon received a referral letter from Malacañang with an attached document from one of the island stakeholders groups expressing opposition to the bridge project.
De Lima noted that aside from private groups on the island opposed to the project such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay, various multi-sectoral organizations, transport groups, environmental advocates, and indigenous Ati community leaders, local governments are also against it. These include the provincial government of Aklan, the municipal government of Malay, and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Aklan Chapter.
According to the lawmaker, stakeholders on the island have opposed the bridge project since 2019, ‘when national government agencies first introduced the concept as part of Boracay’s post-rehabilitation infrastructure initiatives, with critics consistently emphasizing the need to balance connectivity and development with long-term environmental sustainability and preservation of the island’s unique ecological character.’
She added that Dizon has said the stakeholders’ concerns and consultations should be handled by the project proponent, SMHC. She noted that 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 underscored the ‘compelling need’ for major infrastructure projects to comply with existing laws, keep to environmental sustainability measures, protect jobs and indigenous communities, at the same time, respect the ‘autonomy and participation rights’ of local government units. She said Section 27 of the LGC ‘expressly provides that no project or program shall be implemented by government authorities unless the required consultations are conducted and prior approval of the concerned sanggunian is obtained.’
She also acknowledged concerns on the possible loss of jobs of workeres and transport operators ‘dependent on the existing water transport system between Caticlan and Boracay, disruption of established livelihood systems, and adverse effects on community-based economic structures that support thousands of Aklanon families.’