MANILA, Philippines —Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, Dec. 3, (Netherlands time), stated that former president Rodrigo Duterte obtained funding from the Chinese government that enabled the construction of the Davao River Bridge in Bucana, Davao City.
The announcement followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the nearly completed bridge, which he described as one of his legacy projects in the region.
Vice President Duterte told reporters outside The Hague that the bridge is part of the Davao City Coastal Road, which also crosses the Bankerohan River. She said the project’s coastal road budget did not include funds for the bridge, prompting former president Duterte to secure financial support from China.
She said negotiations, planning, and construction preparations began after the Chinese government committed to funding the bridge at no cost to the Davao City or national government. The bridge is expected to serve as a key link between the southern and northern parts of Davao City.
Vice President Duterte did not provide details on the exact date of the funding commitment, the total cost of the bridge, or the specific Chinese agencies involved in the project. She also did not provide a completion date or information on any formal agreements or audits related to the financing.