A group of environmental defenders, youth advocates, and marine scientists has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to halt the construction of the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) project, sparking criticism from many Dabawenyos who support the long-awaited bridge.
The petition, filed on April 21, 2025, calls for a Temporary Environmental Protection Order and a Writ of Kalikasan, citing the ongoing destruction of two critical coral ecosystems: Paradise Reef in Samal Island and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City.
Signatories include Ecoteneo Director Carmela Marie Santos, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability Executive Director Mark Peñalver, Dyesabel Philippines Chairperson Marvelous Camilo, and the Sustainable Davao Movement. They also urged the Court to compel government agencies to implement protective measures for the threatened marine habitats.
However, the move has drawn backlash from the public. Many Dabawenyos took to social media, accusing the petitioners of being against development and progress, especially since the SIDC bridge has been a long-time dream of the city.
The 4.76-kilometer, four-lane bridge, with a P20.84-billion budget, is expected to boost tourism and the local economy. The China Road and Bridge Corporation is handling construction.
Despite the petition, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said construction will proceed unless a court order halts it. The Supreme Court has yet to respond to the petition.
