THE 21st Davao City Council invited the petitioners of the Writ of Kalikasan and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to appear before the council session on July 15, 2025, following the issuance of the writ by the Supreme Court (SC) for the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project, also known as Davao-Samal (DavSam) Bridge.
Third District Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang filed a resolution inviting both the petitioners and the DPWH to the session to “serve the public interest” and “not to interfere with the proceedings of the higher court”.
He said the council wants to hear from both parties the status of the case and the expropriation.
"I suggest for a win-win solution, that we again look at it. Tan-awon nato balik basin ma-areglo, because when we started the coastal road, wala may ‘Kalikasan’ (I suggest a win-win solution that we take another look at it, maybe it can be settled, because when we started the coastal road, no environmental issues were being raised)," he said in a media interview on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Dayanghirang appealed to both parties to consider the welfare of taxpayers, noting that a realignment would be costly and technically challenging. However, he emphasized the need to "humanize" the situation and accept reality, saying, “Sometimes, we have to accept things as they are and find common ground.”
He warned that delays in the project would negatively impact economic development and tax revenues in both Igacos and Davao City. He added that interest and amortization payments would continue and that public funds would bear the cost.
Dayanghirang further explained that maintaining the status quo would not reduce transportation costs, especially since barge fares remain high. He emphasized that with the bridge, passengers would no longer endure long queues and exposure to extreme heat. He also pointed to the economic losses experienced by traders, business owners, and individuals due to wasted time.
According to him, any delay in construction could result in an economic setback of three to four years.
The councilor added that the council may pass a resolution expressing the public’s sentiment, as residents of Davao and Igacos have voiced their frustration over the potential delay in the SIDC’s construction. He expressed optimism, saying he has not lost hope since people can still change their minds.
Third District Councilor and floor leader Atty. Sweet Advincula reiterated Dayanghirang’s statement, saying the council is only inviting the petitioners and respondents to provide an update, given that the case is still pending in court.
“Limited ang ating matanong and more on updates ganon lang po tayo (Our questions will be limited mostly just for updates, nothing beyond that),” she said.
Meanwhile, Atty. Romeo "Meong" T. Cabarde Jr. of Sustainable Davao Movement (SDM) said that they welcome the dialogue, but they will remain vigilant since they do not want the invitation of the session to discredit their claims.
“This invitation must not be used to discredit the petition or distract from the environmental violations we have raised before the Supreme Court,” he said.
Earlier, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao Region (DENR-Davao) convened on July 7, 2025, with the members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLS) following the issuance of the writ.
Igacos Mayor Lemuel T. Reyes presided over the meeting at the SP Session Hall in the New City Hall. It was attended by 16 members and stakeholders as well as representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Office of the Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao), DENR-Davao, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), and captains of different barangays.
Lawyer Trisha Ann Samantha S. Aligato, DENR legal officer, presented the facts on the petition and explained its legal implications. Aligato clarified to the members the environmental case filed against the SIDC.
Edwin Jubahib, governor of the province of Davao del Norte, who attended the meeting online, emphasized the benefits of the projects. He noted how the completion of the bridge would lessen the occurrences of oil spills in areas traversed by barges, which is the only means of transportation from Davao City to Igacos.
Meanwhile, Minda Barangay Councilor Kenneth David moved for the passage of the resolution expressing full support of the SIDC entitled "A Resolution Supporting the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).”
The SC on July 1, 2025, ordered DPWH, DENR, Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLS), and China Road and Bridge Corporation to file a verified return of the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days from the writ's service.
On the same day, environmental advocates welcomed the decision of the SC, sending a strong message that “no development is above the law, especially when it endangers the environment and community welfare.”
Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte said he respects the SC’s decision on the issuance of the writ, but he is more concerned about how long the Dabawenyos and Samaleños waited for its completion.
Reyes also shared the same sentiments and stood by the construction of the SIDC. He reiterated the LGU’s support for the project, calling it a “vital infrastructure” that will significantly boost connectivity, mobility, and economic development between Samal and Davao City.
Meanwhile, DENR-Davao acknowledged on July 2 the receipt of the SC's issuance of the writ and that they would submit a return on it.
However, DPWH said that they would continue with the construction while there is no pending formal suspension. They added that they are complying with all the legal requirements and would submit a verified return.
SIDC, funded through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the People’s Republic of China, is managed by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office–Bridges Management Cluster and implemented by China Road and Bridge Corporation. RGP