Politics in the Philippines has always been a game of optics, but the recent tension in Davao City has turned concrete and steel into a battleground for narratives. On December 4, 2025, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (PBBM) inspected the nearly completed Bucana Bridge, declaring it one of the "legacy projects" of his administration.
For casual observers, it was a standard ribbon-cutting prelude. But for Davaoeños and political analysts, the statement was a spark in a powder keg. With the bridge set to open on December 15, 2025, the question burning through social media is simple yet divisive: Is the Bucana Bridge really a Marcos achievement, or is this a case of borrowed glory from the Duterte era?
Let’s peel back the layers of political rhetoric and look at the hard facts behind this massive infrastructure project.
The President’s Claim: "A Legacy Project"
During his visit, President Marcos didn’t mince words. He categorized the Bucana Bridge under his administration's Build Better More banner. His argument rests on execution: while previous administrations may have planned it, his government oversaw the critical construction phases, specifically the bored piling and civil works that began ramping up in late 2023.
From a project management standpoint, the sitting President always gets the privilege of inauguration. However, using the specific term "legacy" suggests conception and funding origination—and that is where the timeline gets murky.
Fact-Checking the Timeline: Tracing the Roots to 2020
To understand the backlash, we have to look at the paper trail. The Bucana Bridge wasn't conceived in 2023. It is, undeniably, a fruit of the Build, Build, Build program under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Here is the timeline that critics are pointing to:
- December 2020: The funding for the bridge was secured through a China Aid Grant. This was a direct result of the Duterte administration's foreign policy pivot towards Beijing.
- The Cost: Approximately ₱3.12 billion ($60 million) was allocated for the project, signed and sealed long before the current administration took office.
- The Design: The Detailed Engineering Design (DED) was finalized under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by then-Secretary Mark Villar.
When PBBM claims this as a legacy, he is claiming the completion, not the creation. In the world of infrastructure, the hardest battles are often fought in securing the budget and the diplomatic agreements—battles that were won years ago.
Why the "Credit-Grabbing" Narrative Stick?
The term "credit-grabbing" is being thrown around loosely, but in this context, it reflects the deepening rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps. For supporters of the former President, the Bucana Bridge is a physical symbol of Duterte’s love for Davao. Seeing it rebranded as a Marcos legacy feels like an erasure of history.
The Strategic Importance of Bucana
Politics aside, we cannot ignore the bridge's utility. Spanning 1.34 kilometers across the Davao River, this 4-lane marvel connects the chaotic coastal areas of the city. It promises to cut a grueling 2-hour drive down to less than 25 minutes.
Whether you wear red or green, the relief this bridge brings to the local traffic situation is undeniable. It completes the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road, a vital artery for the region's economy.
The Verdict
So, whose bridge is it?
Technically, infrastructure belongs to the people. But politically? The Bucana Bridge is a hybrid. It was born from the diplomatic efforts and funding strategies of the Duterte administration but was raised and finished under the watch of the Marcos administration.
Calling it a sole "Marcos Legacy" ignores the foundation it stands on—both literally and metaphorically. As the December 15 opening approaches, the bridge stands tall, but it casts a long shadow over the fragile political alliances in the Philippines.
What do you think? Is it fair for the current administration to claim credit for projects started by their predecessors? Let us know in the comments below.
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