Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, chairperson of the Committee on Public Works and Highways of the City Council of Davao, has extended invitation to the Department of Public Works and Highways 11 (DWPH 11) officiala, contractors, and other involved agencies in the construction of the Maa-Magtuod Flyover Project to the City Council’s session next Tuesday.
In her privilege speech on Tuesday, Bonguyan urged the 21st City Council to convene as a Committee of the Whole to formally inquire from DPWH 11 into the status of the Maa-Magtuod Flyover Project aiming “not to assign blame, but to ensure better coordination, regular public updates, and the swift, safe completion of a project that directly impacts thousands of lives.”
“Every day, the unfinished Ma-a flyover along Diversion Road turns our commuters into a frustrating ordeal. Thousands are stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, wasting fuel and time, and arriving late to work, school, and important appointments. This project, which was meant to be a solution, has now become a source of daily stress and frustration for our community,” Bonguyan said.
Photos of signage mounted at the flyover had circulated online last weekend, alleging that the pending construction of the Ma-a flyover in Davao City is due to political issues, citing the administration of Marcos and Romualdez as culprits.
“The people’s frustration reached a boiling point this weekend, when a sign appeared at the construction site, blaming the delay on ‘the Marcos and Romualdez administration.” While the truth of these claims is still in question, the sign itself is a clear reflection of the public’s growing fatigue and distrust. People are tired of the gridlock, tired of the silence, and tired of waiting for a project that seems to have no end in sight. This is not just a construction delay; it’s a public grievance. It demands truth, transparency, and action,” Bonguyan stressed.
Bonguyan added that she acknowledged the recent statement from DPWH, which clarifies that the project is fully funded and 82.5% complete. DPWH also cited road Right-of-Way issues and relocation of utility poles as the remaining hurdles.
The DPWH 11 also asserted that the signage mounted at the Maa-Magtuod flyover is misleading and denied that the construction of the said project is being delayed.
The DPWH 11 also said that at present, civil works are ongoing at 82.5% and also emphasized that there are still minor RROW concerns involving a few remaining properties and utilities.
As for the affected utilities, DPWH 11 stated that it has been informed by the Davao Light and Power Company that relocation of electric poles along the Monteritz side is scheduled last Sunday, August 3, 2025.
“We thank the DPWH for this clarification, as it highlights the critical need for clear communication on public projects. When information is scarce, misinformation and frustration are quick to fill the void,” Bonguyan said.
Bonguyan also asked the council how they can help improve the coordination with the DPWH and other agencies.
“Can we assist with legal facilitation of public communication to speed things up? The people of Davao deserve clear roads and clear answers, and we must show them that their government is listening,” she said.
