DIZON, MAYOR BASTE ARGUE OVER “PREMATURE” OPENING OF BUCANA BRIDGE
Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s camp have publicly disagreed with Davao City 1st District Representative Migs Dizon over the opening of the new Bucana Bridge. The dispute centers on whether the bridge was opened to motorists and pedestrians before all safety and administrative requirements were fully completed. Based on preliminary reports, Mayor Baste’s side has raised concerns that the inauguration and use of the bridge may have been “premature.” Dizon, however, has maintained that the opening followed proper coordination and was meant to ease traffic congestion in the area.
The Bucana Bridge is part of a larger infrastructure program intended to improve connectivity and reduce travel time within Davao City. According to initial data from local agencies, the structure is expected to serve as an alternative route for residents who currently rely on heavily congested roads. Because of its role in daily commuting and local commerce, any question about its readiness draws attention from both officials and the public. The timing of the opening has therefore become a focal point in discussions about project management and accountability.
Current statements from both camps indicate differences in how they interpret the project’s readiness and the procedures followed before opening. Reports from local media note that Mayor Baste’s camp has asked whether all inspections, clearances, and documentation were in place at the time the bridge was first used. Dizon has responded by emphasizing that the bridge underwent necessary checks and that coordination with concerned offices occurred before the opening. Authorities are now reviewing timelines, permits, and technical assessments to clarify what steps were taken and when.
Government engineers and relevant agencies are expected to verify structural safety, traffic flow implications, and compliance with national and local regulations. Based on official briefings so far, there have been no widely reported incidents directly linked to the bridge’s use since its opening, but monitoring continues. Investigating offices are likely to compare project plans, inspection reports, and inauguration schedules to determine if protocols were strictly followed. The outcome of these reviews may guide how future infrastructure openings are handled and communicated to the public in Davao City.
