Baste Duterte blasts DPWH over coastal road opening

DAVAO CITY — Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte on Monday delivered a scathing rebuke of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over what he described as the premature opening of Coastal Road Segment B, which was scheduled to open at 5 p.m. despite remaining unfinished.

Duterte did not mince words as he warned of the risks posed to motorists and pedestrians.

“To DPWH: should anything happen to Dabawenyos in that area because of inadequate streetlights and safety measures, that is on you and your stupidity,” Duterte said.

According to the acting mayor, only two of the four lanes at the Coastal Road-Roxas exit will be opened, a move he said was made merely to comply with what he described as a careless pronouncement by the President regarding the project’s opening.

“The Segment B of the Coastal Road remains under the jurisdiction of DPWH, as it has not yet been officially turned over to the LGU, primarily because the project is still unfinished. According to DPWH, all four lanes are scheduled for completion by March 2026,” Duterte added.

His statement followed an inspection conducted on Sunday by the Davao City Road Project Advisory and Monitoring Board (DCRPAMB), which found that only two lanes were nearing completion. The inspection also revealed the absence of streetlights, safety barriers and traffic signages, particularly at the Roxas exit.

DCRPAMB members, Duterte said, questioned DPWH officials on why Segment B was being opened despite its unfinished state — but were given no clear explanation.

“The integrity and safety of public roads must not be compromised simply because a deadline has been carelessly set. Given this premature opening, we remind the public to anticipate possible traffic congestion in the area,” Duterte said.

In closing, Duterte urged the public to remember those who were present and announced the opening, naming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Anton Lagdameo, Leo Magno and Vince Dizon.

“These are individuals who appear more concerned with making themselves look good than with ensuring the safety of Dabawenyos. If they insist on opening it today, let them be because the President behaves like a child,” he said.