PRIVILEGE SPEECH

November 4, 2014
Mr. President, members of this August body, people in the gallery, to all
Davaoeos, friends, ladies and gentlemen, Good Morning.
I rise today as a matter of privilege.
Governor Generoso (Bankerohan) Bridge II is a vital part of Davao Citys
Traffic. Because it is being repaired and cannot be used yet, we experience
heavy traffic. A lot of people can attest to this especially those of us who
have to travel from the Southern area of the city to the North or vice versa.
I agree with Engr. Alvin Cabuenas (of the DPWH XI) that the repairs are
necessary for public safety.
However, the construction of the bridge was supposed to be finished by
October 6. Now, DPWH is saying that there will be an extension until
November 6. Indeed, there have been lots of delays. First, the delay caused
by the presence of informal settlers. The project which was supposed to
start in November 13, 2013 was pushed to May this year. Then there were
allegedly unforeseen circumstances such as the fact that it took them 1
month to plan and remove the steel support of the DCWD pipe.
The reality is that this affects lots of people. Ordinary people who go about
their daily routine of travelling from their home and going to the office then
going home again after the day is through. They are the ones who are most
affected. They have to leave their homes earlier but they go home later.

So, Mr. President, I would like to express my utmost disappointment with this
delay. A lot of people are affected by this heavy traffic. We have to make
DPWH and the contractor explain why the extension was made. What if this
will continue until December? Christmas time usually brings in heavier
traffic. More so now that Bankerohan Bridge II is still unpassable.

DR. BERNARD E. AL-AG

Floor Leader, 17th Council
Sangguniang Panlungsod
Davao City