Calling the decision “premature,” Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte on Monday criticized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. over the partial opening of the Bucana Bridge, citing safety concerns and unfinished sections of the project.
In a statement dated Dec. 15, Duterte said the Department of Public Works and Highways opened only two of the four lanes at the Bucana Bridge, despite the project not yet being completed or officially turned over to the local government. He stressed that the bridge remains under DPWH jurisdiction because construction is still ongoing.
According to DPWH, all four lanes of the Bucana Bridge are scheduled for completion by March 2026.
Duterte cited findings from an inspection conducted by the Davao City Road Project Advisory and Monitoring Board on Dec. 14, which showed that only two lanes were nearing completion. The inspection also noted the absence of streetlights and safety and traffic signages in the area.
Members of the advisory and monitoring board questioned DPWH officials on why the bridge segment would be opened despite its unfinished condition, Duterte said. He added that no clear explanation was provided during the inspection.
“The integrity and safety of public roads must not be compromised simply because a deadline has been carelessly set,” Duterte said in his statement.
He warned motorists to expect possible traffic congestion following the partial opening and raised concerns over public safety due to the lack of adequate lighting and traffic controls.
Duterte also questioned who authorized the decision to open the bridge and named President Marcos, Anton Lagdameo, Leo Magno, and Vince Dizon as among those present during the announcement of the opening.
Despite his objections, Duterte said that if authorities insist on opening the bridge, responsibility for any incidents resulting from inadequate safety measures would rest with those who ordered the move.
