Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu has opposed the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) planned ₱150-million footbridge across the Iloilo River, citing redundancy, excessive cost, and environmental risks.
In a letter to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, she argued the project is unnecessary since 11 bridges and 13 esplanade sections already serve the area’s connectivity needs.
The mayor also flagged the absence of required environmental clearances and claimed mangrove trees had already been destroyed despite prior commitments to preserve them.
She further criticized the project for bypassing the Local Government Code, which requires City Council approval and consultations with local stakeholders.
Treñas-Chu urged the DPWH to suspend the project and instead pursue more sustainable alternatives that balance mobility with ecological protection.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 9, 2025
