Lawmaker backs P123-B Laguna lakeshore project

MANILA, Philippines - An administration lawmaker is supporting the proposed P123-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway-Dike Project that is expected to reduce flooding in coastal communities along Laguna Lake.

Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo said the project that is being pushed by the Department of Public Works and Highways through Public-Private Partnership is also seen to ease traffic and facilitate the transfer of goods and services between Metro Manila and southern Luzon.

“We want the competitive bidding to proceed fairly and transparently, to avoid potential legal challenges and holdups,” he said.

At least 22 prospective bidders from the private sector are expected to submit their proposals on Jan. 14, 2015.

The DPWH is set to award the project to the winning bidder on Aug. 5, 2015.

The project has two components –  a 47-kilometer flood control dike, with a six-lane highway that include bridges, access roads, floodgates and pumping stations; and the reclamation and development of 700 hectares of foreshore and offshore land in Taguig and Muntinlupa City along the highway-dike. 

“The creation of new productive land via reclamation will bring about the development of a new economic hub between Metro Manila and southern Luzon,” Romulo said.