PACC Exposes Delayed Implementation of Davao City Road Project Despite Full Government Funding
PACC Exposes Delayed Implementation of Davao City Road Project Despite Full Government Funding
Public Safety at Risk on Magtuod–Waan Road Due to Severe Pavement Failure
Davao City, Philippines (). The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) has raised serious concern over the continued deterioration and unsafe condition of the road connecting Barangay Magtuod and Barangay Waan in Davao City despite government funds already allocated for its reconstruction.
Inspection Highlights
During an official ocular inspection conducted on the route, the PACC team led by Chairman Dr. Louie Ceniza, PhD, together with Spiritual Adviser Bishop Rod Cubos, Board of Trustee Dr. Allan Japor, PhD, Pastor Richie Cubos, and volunteer Engineers documented critical pavement damage, including full-length cracks, slab displacement, deep rutting marks, and exposed soil cavities—conditions that have caused multiple vehicular accidents and mobility disruption for daily road users.
Despite full procurement completion and issuance of contract documents, the contractor has not mobilized nor initiated pavement removal or reconstruction.
Observed Road Conditions
PACC inspectors observed that the concrete structure has reached full structural failure, marked by:
Broken slab sections and displaced concrete blocks
Loss of pavement support and visible sub-soil
Uneven elevation creating sharp road depressions
Dangerous surface for motorcycles and bicycles
Community Reports
Residents interviewed during the inspection confirmed incidents of:
Vehicle under-carriage damage
Motorcycle crashes during rainy evenings
Several stalled vehicles due to deep cracks
Delays of public service vehicles and barangay responders
“This is not just inconvenience; this is a public safety hazard.”
— Chairman Dr. Louie Ceniza, PhD
RROW Issue Cited — PACC Raises Legal Concerns
During the inspection briefing, DPWH personnel cited Road Right-of-Way (RROW) issues as the reason for non-implementation. However, PACC notes that such justification is inconsistent with procurement and infrastructure laws.
Under Republic Act 10752, RROW settlement—including property surveys, payment of just compensation, and clear documentation—must already be completed before implementation of national infrastructure projects.
Moreover, under Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and reinforced procurement policy provisions, government bidding must not proceed unless all pre-conditions—including RROW clearance—are already satisfied. Typically, agencies secure certifications from property owners, barangay officials, and the Mayor confirming clearance before procurement is allowed. PACC immediately called attention to how the same issue is now being cited after the contract award, suggesting procedural lapses.
Pattern of Delays and Public Burden
Based on field inquiry, PACC noted a recurring pattern in multiple national projects where contractors delay mobilization due to ongoing commitments in other areas, while DPWH tolerates non-performance by allowing indefinite suspension.
This practice results in:
Delayed government service delivery
Unutilized project timelines
Continued public suffering
Lack of accountability
“Funds are already allocated. The contract is awarded. The road is deteriorated. Yet nothing is happening. This is how delays become a burden to the ordinary Filipino.”
— Bishop Rod Cubos
PACC Calls for Immediate Action
PACC is now urging DPWH Region XI to:
Issue an official certification confirming RROW status
Disclose compensation records for affected properties
Provide a revised schedule of contractor mobilization
Implement immediate safety interventions
Enforce contract penalties if non-compliance continues
Meanwhile, PACC recommends temporary measures such as warning signs, safety barriers, or emergency asphalt overlay to prevent additional accidents while full reconstruction is pending.
Why This Matters
The Magtuod–Waan corridor is a heavily-used link for:
Working commuters
Business distribution routes
Emergency service vehicles
School and barangay transportation
The absence of timely action has increased the economic and safety burden on thousands of residents traveling through the route daily. PACC affirms its mandate to monitor this project closely and initiate further action should continued negligence be observed.
