Councilors of the 21st City Council on Tuesday expressed their support for the Court of Appeals’ (CA) decision on the construction of the China-funded P23 billion Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project, citing the need to balance development and environmental concerns.
Last week, the CA denied the requested Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) filed against the construction of the project.
In a document shared by Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) Mayor Toto Reyes on Facebook, the CA stated that “Issuing a TEPO at this stage would cause undue disruption to a government infrastructure project already in progress and may potentially harm the greater public interest.”
“Accordingly, the Court resolves to deny the petitioners’ prayer for the issuance of Temporary Environmental Protection Order,” the court added.
Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos forum on Tuesday, Councilor Danny Dayanghirang expressed his strong support for the ruling, saying the project is crucial for regional connectivity and economic growth.
“Ang apektado lang diha is pila lang ka hektaryang coral reef. Pwede man nato tamnan balik og coral reefs after sa bridge construction. Ang DENR naa may coral rehabilitation programs,” said Dayanghirang.
Dayanghirang emphasized that the country cannot afford additional setbacks in significant infrastructure initiatives like the bridge.
“Sayang kaayo. Ang development pwede mag-coexist sa environment protection. We respect the rights of the complainants, pero kinahanglan pud nato tan-awon ang bigger picture,” he said.
Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, echoed Dayanghirang’s sentiment and supported the position earlier made by acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte backing the continuation of SIDC project.
In a statement, the acting mayor voiced concern over delays in the project following a recent Supreme Court decision issuing a Writ of Kalikasan against its construction over environmental risks.
Duterte emphasized that the project would deliver safer and more cost-effective travel, boost trade and tourism, and generate local employment. He called for stakeholders to “reflect on whether their objections genuinely prioritize environmental protection, or merely serve to preserve private commercial interests.”
“We support the statement of Mayor Baste Duterte on the SIDC project. Dako na kaau ang nagastos sa gobyerno na mahunong pa kini. We respect the views of those who oppose, but we also have to look at the bigger perspective. Ang importante lang is if naay damages marehabilitate ang area,” Ocampo said.
Both councilors have expressed respect to the views of the petitioners against the SIDC project.
The 21st City Council has invited representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to update the Council on the SIDC project.
Ocampo stressed that their intent in engaging stakeholders was not confrontational.
“We just want to be updated kung unsa na ang the progress. We recognize the concerns, but we also need to move forward responsibly,” said Ocampo.
