In Photo: PACC team conducts site inspection
*Despite full fundingDAVAO CITY – The Philippine Anti-Corruption Commission raised concerns on Wednesday, December 10, over the delayed road reconstruction project in Davao City, warning that severe pavement damage along the Magtuod–Waan Road has become a public safety risk despite the project receiving full government funding.
In an update on their Facebook page, officials from the PACC conducted an ocular inspection of the road connecting Barangays Magtuod and Waan. They documented extensive damage, including full-length cracks, displaced concrete slabs, deep ruts, and exposed sub-soil.
According to the agency, the poor road conditions have already resulted in vehicular accidents, traffic disruptions, and safety hazards for daily commuters.
The damaged section is part of a Department of Public Works and Highways–11 project identified as Project ID No. 25L00021, titled Reconstruction to Concrete Pavement – Jct. Diversion Road–Tigatto Road–Jct. Diversion Road, which cost P42.98 million.
Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, with ROSBILL Construction and Supply as the contractor, the project, which started on May 28, 2025, is scheduled for completion on December 23, 2025.
Despite the completion of procurement and the issuance of contract documents, PACC stated that the contractor has not mobilized, and no pavement removal or reconstruction work has commenced.
Inspectors observed that the road has reached a state of structural failure, citing broken and displaced concrete sections, loss of pavement support, uneven elevations, and hazardous depressions that pose a particular danger to motorcycles and bicycles.
PACC stated that residents interviewed during the inspection reported multiple incidents, including vehicle undercarriage damage, motorcycle accidents during rainy conditions, stalled vehicles, and delays that affected public transport and barangay emergency responders.
“This is not just an inconvenience; this is a public safety hazard,” PACC Chairman Dr. Louie Ceniza said.
DPWH personnel cited road right-of-way issues as the reason for the delay. However, PACC noted that under Republic Act 10752, RROW acquisition and compensation must be completed before project implementation.
The commission added that Republic Act 9184 prohibits bidding and contract award unless all project preconditions, including RROW clearance, have been satisfied.
PACC stated that raising RROW concerns after the contract award suggests procedural lapses and reflects a broader pattern in which contractors delay mobilization while implementing agencies tolerate non-performance.
“This is how delays become a burden to the ordinary Filipino,” said Bishop Rod Cubos during the inspection briefing.
PACC urged DPWH-11 to certify the project’s RROW status, disclose compensation records, submit a revised mobilization schedule, implement immediate safety measures, and enforce contract penalties if delays persist.
The commission also recommended temporary safety interventions such as warning signs, barriers, or emergency asphalt overlays to reduce accident risks while reconstruction is pending.
The Magtuod–Waan Road serves as a central corridor for commuters, businesses, emergency services, and schools.
PACC stated that it will continue to monitor the project and may initiate further action if the delay persists. (Ivy Tejano)
