- Board Member Uy to seek legal action vs. Samal Bridge writ petitioners
DAVAO del Norte Board Member Al David Uy announced on Tuesday his intention to file a resolution urging the provincial government to initiate legal action against the petitioners who secured a writ of kalikasan ruling on the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project.
Uy, who previously served as Samal Island mayor, has long been pushing for the construction of the P23-billion, four-kilometer bridge, highlighting its crucial role to spur economic development and improve connectivity to mainland Davao City.
Although he did not immediately detail the specific grounds for the potential case, he insisted that the writ of kalikasan petitioned before the Supreme Court was governed by “business interests.” He also alleged that some “oligarchs” are behind the move to suspend construction.
Previously, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte issued a statement claiming that “business interests” rather than “environmental concerns” were the primary motivation for the legal actions against the Samal Bridge.
The Supreme Court, acting on a petition against the project that argued it would cause “actual, serious, and irreversible damage” to ecologically sensitive marine areas, specifically the Paradise Reef off Samal Island and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City, issued the writ on July 1, 2025.
“The petitioner and others who oppose the bridge should reflect on whether their objections genuinely prioritize environmental protection, or merely serve to preserve private commercial interests,” Duterte said.
“This project has undergone environmental studies, secured clearances, and was designed to minimize its impact,” he added.
Despite the writ, the Department of Public Works and Highways XI said construction remains unhampered and will continue to be so until they receive the injunction order from the court.
The petitioners included Carmela Marie Santos, former director of Ateneo de Davao University’s Ecoteneo; Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability Inc.; Marvelous Dainty Camilo, chairperson of Dyesabel Philippines Inc.; and the Sustainable Davao Movement, represented by Santos and Peñalver.
Uy suggested a potential challenge on the basis of the writ or hold petitioners accountable for perceived damages due to the delay.
