Benjie Oliva, a mayoralty aspirant in Catigbian, Bohol, has hit back at critics of Congressman Edgar Chatto over delays in the construction of a third bridge connecting Bohol mainland to Panglao Island, saying that the project’s future has been secured with the approval of French funding.
In an interview with DYTR’s Ardy Araneta-Batoy, Oliva explained that the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board had approved overseas development assistance from France to finance the bridge, after Chinese assistance was halted due to a row between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea.
Oliva criticized Chatto’s bashers, who have accused the congressman of pocketing funds meant for the bridge, causing delays in its construction.
He said that the delay was due to uncertainties in funding sources, and that the approaches to the bridge had already been constructed using national government funds.
“The future of the third bridge has become brighter with the approval of the French assistance,” Oliva said.
“The Boholano people will benefit from having this bridge, and the approval of the financial aid will ultimately prove the bashers wrong.”
The NEDA board, led by President Marcos Jr., approved the proposed funding source as an alternative to the original Chinese funding.
Chatto, who has been the main proponent of the project since his time as Bohol governor, welcomed the development and said he was awaiting an update on the project’s timeline.
The third bridge will ease traffic flow between Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island, which hosts the international airport and is a popular tourist destination.
Chatto had pushed for the project as a way to future-proof Bohol and anticipate potential traffic congestion due to an influx of tourists.
The project had earlier passed technical evaluation and received a favorable endorsement from the Investment Coordination Committee of the NEDA.
The French funding will help complete the bridge, which was conceptualized during Chatto’s incumbency as governor.
Oliva also lashed out at his own critics, who have spoken ill of his mayoralty bid and his chances of winning in next year’s elections.
“The truth will come out, even if there are people who keep on spreading lies,” he said.