By Charissa Luci-Atienza
Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado is seeking the construction of Leyte-Bohol Bridge that would link the islands of Leyte and Bohol, and Leyte-Surigao Bridge that would link the islands of Leyte and Mindanao.
He filed House Bills 6755 and 6756 mandating the government to finance the construction of a bridge linking the islands of Leyte and Bohol and Mindanao.
Southern Leyte Representative Roger Mercado. (Photo credit to PH congress website) | Manila Bulletin
"The Visayas group of islands' economic activity has always been constricted and limited within the bounds of their respective islands. Linking these islands will enhance their economic activity considering the area of economic scope will be enlarged. For this purpose, a bridge connecting these islands will be necessary, " Mercado said.
He said the construction of Leyte and Bohol Bridge would start the connection of the Visayas group of islands to the Maharlika Highway.
"As part of the Maharklika Highway, the Leyte and Surigao link should also be completed for a seamless connection of land transportation from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao. For this purpose, a bridge connecting Leyte island and Mindanao through Surigao should be constructed," Mercado said in filing HB 6756.
HBs 6755 and 6756 mandate the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to include in its annual budget under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) the funds necessary for the proposed construction of Leyte-Bohol Bridge and Leyte-Surigao Bridge.
"Once completed, the increase in economic activity is expected to generate jobs that will improve the quality of life in the Visayas and Mindanao area,” Mercado said.
Southern Leyte Representative Roger Mercado. (Photo credit to PH congress website) | Manila Bulletin
"The Visayas group of islands' economic activity has always been constricted and limited within the bounds of their respective islands. Linking these islands will enhance their economic activity considering the area of economic scope will be enlarged. For this purpose, a bridge connecting these islands will be necessary, " Mercado said.
He said the construction of Leyte and Bohol Bridge would start the connection of the Visayas group of islands to the Maharlika Highway.
"As part of the Maharklika Highway, the Leyte and Surigao link should also be completed for a seamless connection of land transportation from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao. For this purpose, a bridge connecting Leyte island and Mindanao through Surigao should be constructed," Mercado said in filing HB 6756.
HBs 6755 and 6756 mandate the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to include in its annual budget under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) the funds necessary for the proposed construction of Leyte-Bohol Bridge and Leyte-Surigao Bridge.
"Once completed, the increase in economic activity is expected to generate jobs that will improve the quality of life in the Visayas and Mindanao area,” Mercado said.