PACC Investigates ₱4.59 Billion Tacloban Causeway Project: Demands Accountability Amid Delays

by Miriam G. Desacada

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) on Friday (Sept. 19) conducted an ocular inspection of the ₱4.59 billion Tacloban Causeway Project to assess its progress, quality, and compliance with government standards.

The PACC was led by its chairman, Louie F. Ceniza, its president, Vice Admiral Andres Visaya of PCRGA (Philippine Coastal and River Guards Association), and its Board of Trustees member, Pastor Allan Japor.

The inspection was conducted amid mounting concerns over serious project delays vis-à-vis the causeway’s intended role in strengthening safety, mobility, and economic growth in Eastern Visayas.

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 8 (DPWH-8) implemented and contracted SUNWEST, Inc., to do the project that was started on 27 February 2023, with a scheduled completion date of 23 December last year.

The Tacloban Causeway Project was designed to:

1. Construct a 2.57-kilometer, 4-lane road embankment;
2. Provide separate bike lanes, sidewalks, concrete canals, and wave deflectors;
3. Build a 180-meter bridge;
4. Install five reinforced concrete box culverts (RCBCs); and
5. Introduce geo tube technology – a first in Eastern Visayas – using geotextile tubes to protect the causeway from erosion, tidal surges, and strong currents while promoting environmental sustainability.

This flagship project promises to reduce travel time from Tacloban City to the city airport, from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes. It is also intended to serve as a lifeline infrastructure to protect thousands of residents from the destructive impacts of typhoons and flooding.

However, the project’s progress was found alarmingly low and still unfinished. PACC even flagged serious concerns over timeliness, efficiency, and the proper use of public funds.

Ceniza issued this statement: “The Tacloban Causeway Project is a lifeline for the people of Eastern Visayas – not only reducing travel time from Tacloban City to the airport, but also serving as a vital shield against deadly tidal surges and typhoon flooding. However, with the current delays, billions of pesos in people’s money are at stake and the safety of communities remains compromised. We will make sure this project is delivered on time, on budget, and with uncompromised quality.”

To resolve the delays and safeguard public resources, PACC recommends the following urgent actions:

1. Full-Scale Investigation – Cover both SUNWEST, Inc. and DPWH Region VIII to determine the true causes of delay;
2. COA Special Audit – Audit fund disbursements versus actual accomplishments to identify inefficiencies, waste, or misuse of funds;
3. NBI Independent Probe – Conduct a parallel inquiry on project compliance, materials quality, and fund flow;
4. Accountability Before the Ombudsman – If negligence, anomalies, or corruption are proven, recommend administrative and criminal charges against responsible officials and contractors; and
5. Asset Protection Measures – Recommend freezing of bank accounts and assets of complicit parties to prevent diversion of public funds.Accelerated Catch-Up Plan – Require SUNWEST, Inc. to submit and implement a strict catch-up plan with milestones, manpower augmentation, and penalties for further non-compliance.

The PACC reaffirmed that delays, negligence, and corruption will never be tolerated.

“This is exactly why PACC exists – to protect the Filipino people from corruption, waste, and incompetence in public infrastructure. We will not allow substandard projects or prolonged delays to continue robbing our people of safety, resources, and trust in government.” —-Ceniza declared. —-Miriam G. Desacada