Public Safety at Risk on Magtuod–Waan Road Due to Severe Pavement Failure
Davao City, Philippines (December 10, 2025). 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.
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.
The problematic segment forms part of the DPWH-implemented project:
Project ID No.: 25L00021
Project Title: Reconstruction to Concrete Pavement – Jct. Diversion Road–Tigatto Road–Jct. Diversion Road
Project Cost: ₱42,984,105.08
Funding Source: Regular Infra (GAA 2025)
Implementing Office: DPWH Region XI
Contractor: ROSBILL Construction and Supply
Start Date: May 28, 2025
Target Completion: December 23, 2025
Despite full procurement completion and issuance of contract documents, the contractor has not mobilized nor initiated pavement removal
or reconstruction.
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
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 Ceniza emphasized.
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.
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,” Bishop Rod Cubos stated.
“This is how delays become a burden to the ordinary Filipino.”
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.
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.
