Palace disputes Baste on Davao road opening

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December 17, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The partial opening of a coastal bypass road in Davao City yesterday was suspended even as Malacañang disputed claims by acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte that the partial opening would be premature.

The Palace said the road segment, which was supposed to be opened to motorists starting yesterday, was expected to ease traffic congestion in the area.

“If two lanes are passable, then it’s not premature,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told journalists.

Castro said the initial agreement was to open two lanes of the road between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“All we need is the cooperation of the LGU of Davao City so that traffic can flow smoothly,” she said, referring to the local government unit.

Duterte said the opening of Segment B was premature as the project is not yet complete and lacks safety features.

He said the Davao City road project advisory and monitoring board noted the absence of streetlights, traffic signs and other safety measures at an open portion of the road.

Castro said that the installation of the solar lights for the entire road could be completed in two to three days, citing information from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), after which the road would be passable both morning and night.

“All that is really needed is the cooperation of the LGU to make this happen for the comfort of our countrymen,” Castro said.

According to the DPWH, all four lanes of Segment B are set for completion by March 2026.

In a travel advisory, the DPWH said the opening of Segment B would not push through as further safety measures and technical assessments are still being conducted to ensure protection of motorists and other road users.

“Additional safety measures and assessments are still being undertaken,” the DPWH said.

The agency apologized for the inconvenience and asked the public for understanding. It assured commuters that it would issue timely updates once the road segment is deemed safe.

The Davao City coastal bypass road is a major infrastructure project intended to address the city’s traffic problems. — Diana Lhyd Suelto