DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte unleashed a fiery rant on Monday, December 15, 2025, against what he called the “premature and irresponsible” opening of the Bucana Bridge (Davao Coastal Road Project segment), accusing the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of endangering lives by allowing traffic despite incomplete safety features and ongoing construction. The outburst, aired live on his program Baste Sa Umaga and amplified on social media, highlighted cracks in local-national government coordination and raised alarms over rushed infrastructure amid the flood control scandal’s shadow.
Duterte lambasted DPWH for opening the bridge “without consulting the city” and ignoring hazards like missing railings, unfinished lighting, and exposed rebar in sections. “This is a recipe for disaster—motorists could plunge into the river at night or during rains,” he fumed, citing risks to the thousands using the vital link between Bucana and Matina Aplaya barangays. He demanded immediate closure until full completion, threatening legal action if accidents occur: “If someone dies because of this negligence, blood will be on their hands.”
The P1.8-billion Bucana Bridge, part of the larger Davao Coastal Bypass Road, was partially opened in late November to ease traffic, with DPWH claiming the traversed sections safe for light vehicles. Regional Director Juby Cordon defended the move: “Load tests and inspections confirmed structural integrity for current use; full features will follow in phases.” However, Duterte countered that “safety isn’t phased—it’s all or nothing.”
Residents echoed the mayor’s concerns, reporting near-misses in low-visibility areas. The city engineering office has deployed traffic aides and barriers as stopgaps, while Duterte vowed inspections and coordination with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.
This spat spotlights broader tensions over infrastructure timelines, with Duterte—son of former President Rodrigo Duterte—often clashing with national agencies on local priorities. Amid the flood scandal’s fallout on DPWH credibility, the mayor’s rant resonates: In a city prone to heavy rains, rushed openings aren’t shortcuts—they’re short-sighted.
Bridge Status Snapshot:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | P1.8 billion (segment) |
| Opening Date | Late November 2025 (partial) |
| Issues Raised | Missing railings, lighting, exposed rebar |
| Mayor Action | Demands closure; threatens legal steps |
| DPWH Stance | Safe for light traffic; phased completion |