VICE President Sara Duterte has expressed her commitment to respecting whatever decision the Supreme Court (SC) will make regarding the ongoing petition to halt the construction of the P23-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge project.
Speaking to reporters on June 27, 2025, after attending the inauguration of newly elected officials at the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) City Hall grounds, Duterte acknowledged the growing opposition from environmental groups but emphasized the economic benefits the bridge would bring.
“Well, depende na yan kung ano ang desisyon ng Supreme Court pero sana ay makita ng lahat na napakalaki ng tulong ng Davao Samal Bridge sa ekonomiya ng Davao at Samal (Well, that will depend on whatever the Supreme Court decides, but I hope everyone will see how much the Davao-Samal Bridge will help the economy of Davao and Samal), she said.
The project, also known as the Davao-Samal Bridge, is currently under scrutiny after environmental groups filed a 200-page petition before the SC in April. The petition seeks a writ of kalikasan and a temporary environmental protection order, citing possible irreversible damage to critical coral ecosystems, including Paradise Reef and the Hizon Marine Protected Area.
Petitioners, led by Ecoteneo, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), Dyesabel Philippines, and the Sustainable Davao Movement, warned that the project could devastate marine life and the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on these resources.
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao Region (DPWH-Davao), however, has maintained that construction remains on schedule, with completion targeted for 2027. DPWH-Davao spokesperson Dean Ortiz previously stated that while right-of-way issues persist, these have not affected the overall timeline.
The 3.9-kilometer, four-lane cable-stayed bridge will connect Barangay Limao in Igacos to Davao City across the Pakiputan Strait, aiming to improve connectivity and economic activity between the two areas. DEF