President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s announced opening of a major new bridge in Davao City has been abruptly postponed following strong criticism from local officials over safety concerns. The ₱3.126-billion China-grant Bucana Bridge, inspected by the President on December 4, 2025, was set to partially open on December 15 to ease holiday traffic, but the plan has now been shelved.
Safety First: Why the Opening Was Delayed
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) initially announced the opening of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Segment B (Tulip to Roxas) for December 16, 2025, after moving it from a December 15 schedule. The agency stated the delay was a "temporary measure" to ensure all safety protocols were met, prioritizing public safety and security.
However, this move came only after Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte publicly criticized the planned partial opening as premature and unsafe. Duterte revealed that an inspection by the Davao City Road Project Advisory and Monitoring Board on December 14 found only two of four lanes nearing completion, with no streetlights, safety devices, or proper signage at the Roxas exit point.
"The integrity and safety of public roads must not be compromised simply because a deadline has been carelessly set," Mayor Duterte stated on December 15. He directly questioned the DPWH's rationale for opening an unfinished segment and warned the department would be held accountable if any accidents occurred.
A Clash of Timelines and Priorities
The controversy stems from President Marcos's pronouncement during his bridge inspection that the structure would open on December 15, 2025. The 480-meter bridge, expected to handle 35,000 vehicles daily, is a key legacy project meant to alleviate chronic downtown congestion.
Mayor Duterte responded sharply to the presidential deadline, remarking, "If they insist on opening today [December 15], let them be because the President behaves like a child." He also called out officials present during the inspection, including Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, MinDA Chairperson Leo Magno, and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, accusing them of prioritizing appearances over public safety.
Facing this pressure, the DPWH-Davao ultimately postponed the December 16 opening as well, announcing that safety measures and assessments are still ongoing. The agency apologized for the inconvenience and promised timely updates, assuring the public that their welfare remains the top priority.
Public Reaction and Project Significance
The on-again, off-again opening schedule confused and frustrated many Davaoeños. On the morning of December 15, motorists flocked to the coastal road only to find the access lane to the Bucana Bridge still closed.
Public sentiment on social media largely sided with caution. Facebook commenter Dianne Divine stated, "Better delay and ensure its completion rather than risking the safety of the many." Another, Jiter Allatab, criticized the potential for wasted funds, saying premature opening could lead to costly renovations.
Despite the delay, the project's importance is undisputed. The Bucana Bridge is a vital link across the Davao River, connecting Barangays 76-A Bucana and Matina Aplaya. It is the centerpiece of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project, funded by a Chinese infrastructure grant following a 2017 state visit by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Once fully and safely operational, it is poised to significantly improve mobility and boost economic activity in the region.
