Residents, environmental activists, and organizations in the communities of Samal Island and Davao City filed a Writ of Kalikasan in the Supreme Court on April 21 to stop the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project.

Ateneo de Davao University (AdDu) College of Law dean and lawyer for the petitioners Atty. Manuel Quibod said the project already destroyed two critical ecosystems–the Paradise Reef in Samal and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City.

They clarified that they do not oppose the project itself but its location, which directly affects protected areas. They suggest relocating the bridge to another site to prevent further damage to the marine ecosystem.

The petitioners were represented by lawyers Antonuo La Viña, Kaloi Zarate, Jayvy Gamboa, Ericka Uyguangco, and Hazel Acero, with support from paralegals, local experts, and organizations such as Sustainable Davao Movement (SDM), Save Samal Reefs Alliance, DYESABEL Philippines, Interfacing Development Initiatives for Sustainability, Inc, Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy (Apila), and Ecological Advocacy of Ateneo de Davao University (Ecoteneo).

Scientist Dr. John Lacson said the reefs and 33% of the corals in Paradise Reef have died due to the construction of the bridge. Greater destruction is expected if the project continues. He said that killing the remaining corals will destroy the main source of fish.

The destruction of these corals also violates the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, Davao City Ordinance No. 0861-22 (Comprehensive Land Use Plan of 2019-2028), and Presidential Decree No. 1586 (Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System).

The ₱23-billion SIDC is funded by a loan from Chinese Official Development Assistance (ODA). Its construction is contracted to China Road and Bridge Corporation.