P4.8 billion expressway gets Lapu-Lapu CDC endorsement

CEBU, Philippines —  The proposed P4.8-billion Lapu-Lapu Expressway (LLEX) has taken a major step forward after the City Development Council (CDC) endorsed the project as Lapu-Lapu City’s flagship infrastructure undertaking during its full council meeting on Thursday, May 21.

Chaired by Mayor Cindi King-Chan, the council approved the 12-kilometer elevated toll expressway, which will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) between the city government and Lapu-Lapu Expressway Corp. (LLEX Corp.).

King-Chan assured residents that the project would come at no cost to the city government.

“Crucially, this landmark project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership project, meaning it will be realized at absolutely zero cost to the City Government,” the mayor said

proposed four-lane skyway will connect the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) and other key areas in Lapu-Lapu City. It is expected to improve mobility and accessibility for residents of barangays Pajac, Buaya, Bankal, Ibo, Pusok and neighboring communities.

Lapu-Lapu City Public Information Office head Mark Anthony Bautista explained that the expressway will serve as an extension of the CCLEX corridor and will traverse the Babag area near the Gabi-Pilipog Road intersection.

“Actually, sumpay ra ni sa CCLEX sa Cordova but mo-traverse lang ni sa may Babag kana intersection sa Gabi-Pilipog Road. Magbutang og flyover ang CCLEX near sa exit aron dili maabala ang intersection. Kana man gud Gabi-Pilipog Road, atbang ana naay road pud nga gibuhat diha to give way sa LLEX project,” Bautista said.

He said a flyover will be constructed near the CCLEX exit to prevent traffic disruptions at the intersection, while complementary road projects are already being developed to accommodate the expressway alignment.

Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Junard “Ahong” Chan welcomed the project, saying it would help ease traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency across Mactan Island.

“This development will further push economic activity, tourism and investment opportunities in our city, and I fully support its implementation,” Chan said.

The project was presented before the council by Engr. Allan Alfon, president and general manager of Cebu Cordova Link Expressway and a director of LLEX Corp.

Following the CDC endorsement, the proposal will be elevated to the Regional Development Council (RDC) for endorsement before undergoing evaluation and approval by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev).

Bautista said construction could begin as early as next year, depending on the pace of regulatory approvals.

The LLEX project stems from a Joint Venture Agreement between the Lapu-Lapu City Government and LLEX Corp., originally signed on June 17, 2022, and amended on June 11, 2025, to reflect updated project plans and timelines.

The original agreement was forged during the city’s 61st Charter Day celebration, with then mayor Junard Chan signing on behalf of the city and Manuel Gonzales representing the private consortium.

At the time, LLEX Corp. was composed of Premium Megastructures Inc., MTD Philippines and Ulticon Builders Inc.

In June 2025, however, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., through MPT VizMin, acquired full ownership of LLEX Corp., becoming the sole private developer of the elevated expressway.

Based on the current timetable, construction is expected to commence within the year, with project completion targeted between 2027 and 2028.

The CDC meeting was attended by barangay captains, department heads, representatives of the private sector, civil society organizations and national government agencies, including officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the city’s planning office. (CEBU NEWS)