DAVAO del Norte Board Member and former Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) Mayor Al David Uy plans to file a board resolution urging the provincial government to study and possibly pursue legal action against groups that petitioned for a Writ of Kalikasan against the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project.
In an ambush interview with Davao media during the launch of Davao Light’s Digital Substation and Warehouse Facilities in Tagum City on July 8, 2025, Uy described the writ issued by the Supreme Court on July 1 as a form of “economic sabotage.” He also accused the petitioning environmental groups of being “selective” and “elitist” in their advocacy, claiming that, as a former member of a Davao-based environmental organization, he had witnessed such tendencies firsthand.
“Wala ni gipili nga social class na kining tulay is makatabang gyud, and unfortunately, a few entities, ah, being funded by a few oligarchs are making, making our lives both in Samal and in Davao miserable. So hopefully makonsensya naman sana sila,” Uy noted.
(This bridge does not favor any particular social class — it is truly meant to help everyone. Unfortunately, a few entities, apparently funded by some oligarchs, are making life difficult for both Samal and Davao residents. Hopefully, they will grow a conscience.)
“How come masyado kayong maingay dito? Pero sa ibang mining areas all over the Philippines, you're very quiet. So, selective sila. Yes, very selective (How come you're making so much noise here, but in other mining areas across the Philippines, you're completely silent? So, they're being selective. Yes, very selective),” the politician emphasized.
Uy then proceeded to cite an aerial map near Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental, which he said shows environmental degradation in an area that is home to the endangered Philippine Eagle. This issue, he claimed, has not been called out by environmental groups, making their advocacy appear performative.
To recall, the Supreme Court granted a Writ of Kalikasan on July 1, in response to environmental concerns over the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) project’s potential impact on coral reefs in the project site.
The Court directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPS) Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), and China Road and Bridge Corporation to file a verified return within 10 days of receiving the writ.
Environmental groups — Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy (Apila), Green Juris, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), and Ecoteneo — welcomed the SC decision, saying it reinforces the principle that "no development is above the law, especially when the environment and communities are at risk."
DENR-Davao vowed to submit a “complete and science-based” return, while DPWH-Davao said the project will continue unless formally suspended, with all legal requirements to be fulfilled upon receipt of the writ.
Funded by Chinese ODA, the 4.76-kilometer toll-free bridge aims to connect Davao City and Samal, featuring a 275-meter main span, 47-meter vertical clearance, and a 1.62-kilometer marine section.
Moreover, despite his strong stance, Uy, who chairs the provincial board’s infrastructure and peace and order committees, acknowledged the importance of respecting legal processes. However, he expressed hope that the bridge project would still proceed.
“Well, we have to respect the decision, but the bottom line is, the will of the majority. It's very clear that the people of Davao have already spoken to Mayor [Sebastian] Baste Duterte and the people of Samal have already spoken to Mayor Toto Reyes,” he said. DEF