TACLOBAN CITY — An advocacy group composed of organizations, scientists, fisherfolk and concerned individuals is demanding greater transparency from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as it moves toward resuming construction of the P4.48-billion Tacloban Causeway project.

Save Kankabatok Advocacy said the DPWH regional office has remained mum on how the project was approved, the lack of consultation with communities and stakeholders, and the results of scientific studies allegedly conducted to protect the ecosystem of Cancabato Bay.

“We’re not buying its storm surge protection capability, travel time reduction, and contribution to regional tourism. Does this really benefit the general populace or just satisfy the capriciousness of a few?” the group said.

Earlier, DPWH-8 assured the public it was taking steps to ensure the proper implementation of the remaining components of the project, including a joint inventory with the Commission on Audit of works covered by terminated contracts.

The inspection findings will serve as a basis for determining which portions may be continued and subjected to rebidding or proposed for future funding, DPWH-8 said.

The national government has already allocated P3.97 billion for the project under the General Appropriations Act — P880 million in 2022, P1.92 billion in 2024 and P1.17 billion in 2025.

Eight contracts were awarded primarily to Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., owned by the Co family, and LNR Construction. Six contracts were terminated following the flood-control scandal.

The group said DPWH should have secured community acceptance before implementation, noting that officials scrambled to obtain no-objection certifications from several barangays only in 2025, when construction was already underway.

“If community acceptance was necessary, why was it not secured before implementation? Does this not warrant a serious public investigation into how this project was planned, approved, and implemented, especially in the wake of the country’s massive flood-control scandal?” the group said.

It also reminded DPWH that Cancabato Bay is a marine protected area and mariculture zone, with mangroves serving as breeding grounds for fish and other marine products.