Dennis Gasgonia

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ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Several lawmakers from the Visayas region are proposing the construction of an underground tunnel that will serve as a permanent land connection between Luzon and Visayas.Eighteen congressmen from Eastern Visayas—led by House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan— filed House Bill No. 4589, which seeks to establish a fixed 28-kilometer crossing between the provinces of Sorsogon and Northern Samar. “This is an investment in national economic integration and long-term growth,” Libanan said in a statement.“A fixed link—whether a tunnel or a bridge—will cut travel time, guarantee year-round mobility even during storms, and unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment,” he added. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2025/10/10/house-rejects-diokno-s-proposal-to-remove-p243-2-b-unprogrammed-funds-in-2026-budget-1816">House rejects Diokno&#x27;s proposal to remove P243.2-B unprogrammed funds in 2026 budget</a></div>“Imagine being able to drive seamlessly from Metro Manila to Samar and Leyte without having to queue for a ferry. This will completely change the way people travel, move goods, and connect across our islands.” The other authors of the bill are:• Cong. Niko Raul Daza (Northern Samar, First District) • Cong. Edwin Marino Ongchuan (Northern Samar, Second District) • Cong. Stephen James Tan (Samar, First District) • Cong. Reynolds Michael Tan (Samar, Second District) • Cong. Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Eastern Samar, Lone District) • Cong. Roger Mercado (Southern Leyte, First District) • Cong. Christopherson Yap (Southern Leyte, Second District) • Cong. Gerardo Espina Jr. (Biliran, Lone District) • Cong. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (Leyte, First District) • Cong. Lolita Javier (Leyte, Second District) • Cong. Anna Victoria Tuazon (Leyte, Third District) • Cong. Richard Gomez (Leyte, Fourth District) • Cong. Carl Nicolas Cari (Leyte, Fifth District) • Cong. Andrew Julian Romualdez (Tingog) • Cong. Jude Acidre (Tingog) • Cong. Yedda Marie Romualdez (Tingog) • Cong. Jonathan Clement Abalos II (4Ps)Libanan stressed that the existing ferry link between Matnog and Allen is frequently disrupted by rough seas and congestion. “Our people deserve a faster, safer, and more dependable connection,” he said.He also cited the project’s economic significance.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/7/house-on-track-to-pass-proposed-2026-national-budget-1504">House &#x27;on track&#x27; with schedule to pass proposed 2026 national budget </a> </div>“Once completed, the fixed link will boost inter-island commerce, attract investors, and open wider markets for local products. This is how we create new jobs and lift more families out of poverty,” Libanan explained.Libanan also said the project will strengthen disaster response, allowing quicker deployment of emergency services and delivery of relief supplies during calamities.Eastern Visayas is among the most typhoon-prone regions in the country, facing an average of 20 tropical cyclones a year. It is often the first to be hit by severe weather systems entering the Philippines.Libanan, a 4Ps representative, urged Congress to act swiftly on the measure.“Every year we delay this project is a year of lost opportunities. It’s time to make this vision a reality for the next generation,” he said.

Several lawmakers from the Visayas region are proposing the construction of an underground tunnel that will serve as a permanent land connection between Luzon and Visayas.

Several lawmakers from the Visayas region are proposing the construction of an underground tunnel that will serve as a permanent land connection between Luzon and Visayas.

Lawmakers propose construction of undersea tunnel to link Luzon and Visayas

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Lawmakers propose construction of undersea tunnel to link Luzon and Visayas

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 12, 2025 09:29 PM PHT

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Undersea tunnel

Luzon

Visayas

House

Marcelino LIbanan

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