DAVAO City, Philippines – Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has expressed dismay over the Supreme Court’s recent issuance of a writ of kalikasan against the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge, a key infrastructure project that began during the term of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The multi-billion peso bridge, intended to provide a direct link between Davao City and Samal Island, now faces legal and construction hurdles after petitioners claimed it poses significant environmental risks to marine ecosystems in the area.
In a statement, Duterte emphasized the project’s long-term benefits for the public.
“This bridge is meant to serve ordinary Dabawenyos and Samaleños by making travel safer, faster, and more affordable. It will help reduce transport costs, boost tourism and trade, and create jobs for our local communities,” he said.
“Now, we face a stoppage that favors a few powerful interests while the ordinary people are left waiting,” he added.
The Supreme Court granted the writ of kalikasan on July 1, in response to a petition that warned of “actual, serious, and irreversible damage” to the Paradise Reef near Samal Island and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City.
A writ of kalikasan is a legal protection granted to uphold citizens’ constitutional right to a healthy environment, especially when environmental threats affect multiple provinces or cities.
The petition was filed by Carmela Marie Santos, former director of Ateneo de Davao’s Ecoteneo; Mark Peñalver of IDIS (Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability); Marvelous Dainty Camilo of Dyesabel Philippines Inc.; and the Sustainable Davao Movement.
Duterte defended the bridge project, saying it underwent proper environmental reviews and legal processes.
“Those opposing the bridge must ask themselves if their concerns are truly about environmental protection, or if they’re simply defending private commercial interests,” he said.
The respondents named in the case include the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Management Board.