FACT CHECK: Photo shows bridge in Texas, not Central Luzon Link Expressway

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While the post's caption correctly states progress about Phase 1 of the Central Luzon Link Expressway, the included photo is not from the Philippines

Claim: A photo shows the ongoing construction of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX).

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: As of writing, the Facebook post has 661 reactions, 306 comments, and 74 shares.

The post features a photo of a bridge along with the caption, “LOOK: GOOD NEWS FOR TARLAC COMMUTERS! The much-anticipated Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Phase 1, connecting Tarlac City to Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, is set to fully open this July 2025!” 

Some commenters raised safety concerns about the project based solely on the photo, with one comment noting that the structure’s foundation looked weak. Other commenters corrected the post author, stating that the photo was of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

The facts: Reverse image searches show that the structure in the post is not located in the Philippines. The photo shows the New Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The misleading photo shows the structure spanning a body of water. However, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac are landlocked provinces, irrigated by the Pampanga River, and do not border any sea or ocean. 

CLLEX status: On May 8, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported significant progress in the ongoing construction of Phase 1 of the expressway. Full connection between the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Tarlac City and Maharlika Highway in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija is expected by July 2025.

According to the DPWH, Contract Package 4 — a 10.30-kilometer segment known as the Cabanatuan Section — is now 98% complete.

The CLLEX is a flagship project under the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program.

According to the DPWH, CLLEX Phase I is expected to provide a fast, safe, and reliable route across Central Luzon. – Owenh Jake Toledo/Rappler.com

Owenh Jake Toledo is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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