In Why Nations Fail, Daron Acemuglo and James Robinson argue that “institutional differences” are the reasons for the inequalities between nations. Developed nations have institutions that work in seamless display of equal respect for the rights of each individual, rich and poor alike. In this way, their brand of democracy sustains economic growth and makes the redistribution of wealth equitable since the interests of each are protected legally, economically, and morally. For Acemuglo and Robinson, the problem of poverty is not just a result of “corruption,” “culture” or “incompetent leadership.” It is also due to the elitist nature of our institutions, which as a result, only serves the interests of the few, taking away from the people the right to exercise their freedom.
In particular, we can mention the Samal-Davao Connector Bridge Project. It is a 23-billion 4.1-kilometer bridge that connects Samal Island and Davao City through the Pakiput Strait. According to the Department of Public Works and Highways, the project has an accomplishment status of 38%. It is funded by the Chinese Government. The project is expected to be finished before the end of the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The bridge is one of the priority projects of former President Rodrigo Duterte. It was first envisioned during the 70s.
The Supreme Court issued on July 1, 2025 a Writ of Kalikasan in G.R. No. 279512, Santos et al. v. DPWH et al., effectively halting work on the project. The petitioners say that the project will cause an irreparable environmental damage. They cite the constitutional provision (Article II, Section 16) that protects the right of the people to a “balanced” and “healthy ecology.” Many people, however, are utterly disappointed.
In Why Nations Fail, the Mexico-side and the US-side of the City of Nogales in Mexico was mentioned. Applying the same in our case, Samal is left behind in terms of development compared to Davao City because the former’s potential is not realized due to a host of factors, including a lack of infrastructure and a steady supply of electricity, a reality that forces its inhabitants to cross the strait to reach Davao City for work. Davao City is way more developed compared to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). As such, for many Samal residents, the bridge does not only help people move from one island to another, it also opens opportunities for them.
One can mention, for instance, the growth of Mactan Island relative to mainland Cebu. The government is already building the fourth bridge connecting the two economic centers. Mactan is where the international airport is located. It is also the home to the region’s main export processing zone, not to mention its real estate and commercial developments. Samal has that vast potential, but for now, it has to pause.
While realigning the bridge is one of the arguments used by the petitioners, with scientific basis and expert findings, the political aspect of the issue cannot be hidden away from plain view. Nations fail because of politics. When a country’s institutions serve the interests of a few, it has severe repercussions to the good of the people, who lack the means to reasonably represent themselves in cases and legal issues. The people cannot hire the best lawyers to defend their interests, and for this reason interested parties, with good intent, often win. This is not to fault any of the parties, both have good points, nor the SC for that matter, since it is only doing its job based on the merits of the case, but the issue involving the Samal connector bridge is again another example why progress escapes us, and perhaps, the next generation to come, for things could have been settled before the first pile has been bored.
While environmentalists appear to be celebrating, it’s not a win for any party for that matter, but a testament to the lack of voice on the part of the thousands of people, the deep moral and political divide between us, and the fact that millions will forever be under the control and domination of the elite few who continue to dictate what is to become of the future of this nation.
