“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.” –Robert Frost

Before the close of 2016, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) promised Ilonggos the much-hyped Guimaras-Iloilo Bridge would either be built or construction of the project would commence in 2017. I wrote an article saying it was impossible as a feasibility study had not yet been conducted. I also pointed out, when DPWH Secretary Mark Villar lobbied for the P458.61 billion budget before the House Appropriations Committee in August 2016, the said bridge project was not among the “most ambitious infrastructure program” the cabinet official enumerated.

Those who pinned their hopes of Villar and other politicians, particularly those from Guimaras and Iloilo who would directly benefit from the project, rejected my point of view.

In the article, I explained: “The inter-island bridge project, conceptualized way back during the term of President Fidel V. Ramos, doesn’t have a detailed budget yet despite the spirited lobbying of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and almost all congressmen and women… There’s also a misconception that China, which maintains a shaky relationship with the Philippines owing to its repeated intrusion in the Panatag Shoal, will fund the project that could cost up to an estimated P65 billion… What Chinese Vice Minister Fu Ziying of the Ministry of Commerce and Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez had agreed, and which was covered by a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in their March 18, 2017 meeting, was for the Chinese government to help fund the feasibility studies of at least two of the nine Philippine projects China had pledged to support… A feasibility study does not commence the construction of any project… Last year during the Aquino administration, the government had also sought the help of South Korea to fund the project’s feasibility study, as revealed by Senator Franklin Drilon, to no avail.”

2017 passed without a single cable wire or hollow block seen where the bridge is expected to be constructed. In other words, the feasibility study, which will also reportedly be financed by the Chinese government, was not available or complete or will not be finalized – nobody knows.

It is not true the Guimaras-Iloilo Bridge is a “priority project.”

Politicians went on to offer promises claiming the Chinese government allowed for financing on the project through a “soft loan” (whatever that means) and “nothing can stand in the way” for construction to begin in the first quarter of 2018. Villar and others with ambition for higher office touted the project anew. These liars parroted false promises not once but several times; as if Ilonggos are foolish enough to believe whatever they say.

Another politician even visited Guimaras to assure locals they were lobbying for the bridge’s immediate construction. Lobbying? Is that so simple?

“Santa Banana!” It’s already 2019 and the May elections are approaching. If any of those false political prophets or their relatives are running, it should be clear what to do./WDJ