SC petition seeks halt to PHP23B Davao-Samal bridge over environmental concerns

On Monday, environmental advocates petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the construction of a PHP23 billion bridge connecting Davao City and Samal Island due to environmental concerns.

The petitioners argue that ongoing drilling operations, sampling activities, and construction are damaging coral reefs in Paradise Reef and Hizon Marine Protected Area, threatening local ecosystems and communities, and seek a Writ of Kalikasan and temporary environment protection order (TEPO).

Petitioners include Carmela Marie Santos from Ecoteneo, Mark Peñalver from IDIS Inc., Marvelous Camilo from Dyesebel Philippines Inc., and members of Sustainable Davao Movement.

Respondents named in the petition are DPWH, DENR, Samal Island Protected Area Management Board, and China Road and Bridge Corporation, with the project proponent being the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and contractor being CRBC.

The petitioners claim that the ongoing construction violates Republic Act Nos. 11038 and 9147, and they seek immediate environmental protection orders.

They also ask the Supreme Court to direct respondents to submit their answers within ten days from receipt.