* Cites broader public interest * City dads praise CA decision
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Local leaders have expressed approval of the Court of Appeals’ recent decision to allow the continuation of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge project, emphasizing its value to infrastructure growth while still recognizing the importance of protecting the environment.
The Court of Appeals denied last Friday a request to issue a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO), reasoning that halting the project at this stage could disrupt ongoing government efforts and potentially harm the broader public interest.
The court further explained that the petitioners failed to present compelling evidence of an urgent environmental threat or the risk of irreversible damage that would justify the immediate issuance of a TEPO.
During the “Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos” forum held Tuesday, July 15, Davao City Councilor Danny Dayanghirang praised the ruling. He underscored the strategic role of the SIDC bridge in boosting connectivity in the region and driving economic progress.
“Only a small area of coral reef will be affected,” Dayanghirang said, assuring that rehabilitation can follow once the bridge is completed. He also noted that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) already has programs in place to restore coral ecosystems.
Dayanghirang emphasized the urgency of pursuing key infrastructure projects, warning against further delays. He said they respect the rights of the complainants, but they also have to look at the bigger picture, adding that development and environmental protection can coexist.
He also proposed further initiatives to address traffic congestion in the second district. Among the suggested projects are a bridge linking the Island Garden City of Samal to Mabini town in Davao de Oro and the expansion of the Davao Coastal Road from R. Castillo to Lasang.
The councilor said they would forward these proposals to the National Economic and Development Authority and the Regional Development Council for consideration.
Councilor Temujin Ocampo also expressed his support for the SIDC project, aligning with the position earlier expressed by acting City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte. He said he believed the government had invested heavily in this project.
“We support Mayor Baste Duterte’s stance on the SIDC project. While we acknowledge opposing views, we must consider the broader benefits. What’s important is that we will rehabilitate the damages in the affected areas,” Ocampo said.
Mayor Duterte expressed respect for the higher court’s authority while voicing frustration over the decades–long delay in the project. He said the bridge was designed to serve the people of Davao and Samal by providing safer, faster, and more affordable travel between these cities.
The city mayor emphasized the need to follow due process and uphold environmental rights, but questioned the petitioners’ motives. He challenged them to reflect on whether their opposition genuinely centers on ecological protection or on protecting private interests.
While reiterating support for sustainability, Mayor Duterte noted that the project underwent proper environmental assessments to minimize ecological impact. He added that true environmentalism must balance protecting ecosystems and promoting inclusive development.
The City Council has since called on officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to update the project’s current status, emphasizing that the council’s engagement is not meant to provoke confrontation.
“We just want transparency and updates on the project’s progress. We understand the concerns the petitioners raise, but we must also proceed responsibly and informally,” Ocampo said.
Among those opposing the project are the environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability and Ateneo de Davao University. However, reports indicate that the Rodriguez family, one of the petitioners, is no longer actively involved in the legal challenge.
The bridge, a ₱23-billion infrastructure venture primarily financed by China and built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation for more efficient connection between Davao-Samal began construction in 2023 and is now drawing increased scrutiny from environmental advocates.
From Barangay Hizon here to Barangay Limao, Babak District, Samal, the bridge’s landing point overlaps with the Costa Marina Resort. It has sparked strong objections from environmental groups, the Rodriguez family, owners of Costa Marina, and the nearby Paradise Resort.
According to the Department of Public Works and Highways–11, the project has reached 38.07 percent completion, progressing ahead of schedule. As of July 14, 2025, 14 out of 32 bored piles for the bridge were already completed.
Environmental groups, including Ecoteneo, Sustainable Davao Movement, IDIS, and Dyesabel Philippines, expressed their disappointment following the recent Court of Appeals resolution that favored the bridge’s continuation.
“The decision allows continued harm to ecosystems that sustain not only marine life, but livelihood and food sources of coastal communities,” the groups said in a joint statement, citing reports from marine biologists indicating extensive coral damage, increased sedimentation, and a noticeable decline in fish populations.
Petitioners clarified they are not against the project, which enjoys widespread public support in both Davao and Samal, only that their primary concern is the lack of transparency and consideration of alternative routes that could have reduced the project’s environmental footprint.
