Whose project is People's Ville? Palace challenges Sara Duterte's claim over Davao housing

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August 11, 2026 | 6:37pm

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang disputed Vice President Sara Duterte's claim that the People's Ville housing project in Davao City began during her term as mayor, presenting permits and registration documents issued from 2023 to 2024.

Duterte made the claim on August 7 when asked by local media about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s July 28 visit to People's Ville.

"Yes I know kasi project namin 'yan noong mayor ako, 'di ba? So ayokong mag-comment sa kanyang pagbisita," Duterte said.

("Yes, I know because that was our project when I was mayor, right? So I don't want to comment on his visit.")

At a press briefing on Tuesday, August 11, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro presented documents that she said demonstrated the project was established under the Marcos administration.

Among them were a development permit dated July 18, 2023; certificates of registration for People's Ville 1, 2 and 3 issued June 20, 2024; and an application for a building permit dated Feb. 16, 2024.

"Narito po ang development permit para hindi po tayo mabulagan at maloko nung ibang mga taong nagpapanggap na ang proyektong ito ay sa kanila at hindi sa kasalukuyang administrasyon," Castro said.

("Here is the development permit so we will not be misled by people pretending that this project is theirs and not that of the current administration.")

Castro did not mention Duterte by name.

People's Ville project

People's Ville is a 14-hectare condominium-type development in Davao City under the government's Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino, or 4PH, Program.

The project, developed by the Social Housing Finance Corp. under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, consists of 72 five-story buildings.

Castro said more than 2,600 housing units have been completed, while four buildings with 400 units are under construction.

She urged the public to scrutinize competing claims over government projects.

"So mainam po na maging mapanuri tayo at ang proyektong ito ay para po sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi para magpabida ang sinuman kun'di laan para sa ating mga kababayan lalong-lalo na sa Davao City," Castro said.

("So it is better for us to be discerning. This project is for our fellow Filipinos, not for anyone to take credit for, but for our people, especially those in Davao City.")