FACT-CHECK: Marcos Jr, Duterte administrations back Davao public transit modernization

CLAIM: Davaoeños’ dream of modernized transportation became a reality under Marcos Jr.’s administration.

RATING: MISSING CONTEXT

A Facebook video’s misleading claim that the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) was implemented by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. needs more context.

Flagged content: The video, uploaded on Oct. 21 by a vlogger named “Gabz Gabayan,” claimed that DPTMP was implemented solely by  Marcos Jr.

• The caption of the video reads: “Bilib na talaga ako saiyo #PBBM #BagongPilipinas (sic)” (“I am amazed by you #PBBM #BagongPilipinas”)
• It also contained a text overlay that said: “Pangarap ng mga taga Davao, tinupad ni PBBM — Partner with Asian Development Bank” (“The dreams of Davao residents was fulfilled by PBBM in partnership with the Asian Development Bank.”)

Our debunk: The DPTMP was conceived under the Duterte administration but is being implemented under Marcos Jr.’s administration. The project is part of the National Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Strategy for the Philippines, officially launched in May 2011, which identified Davao as a focus city to address urban transport problems. The project was initiated by now Vice President Sara Duterte, when she was mayor of Davao City.

• The planning for the project was spearheaded by Duterte, who coordinated with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and secured approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.
• Marcos Jr., through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), ensured that the DPTMP, a major infrastructure initiative under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), would be included in the national “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program.
• Marcos Jr.’s administration finalized a $1-billion loan agreement with the ADB on July 1, 2023, which constitutes 60% of the project’s total funding, with the remainder coming from the national government.
• Marcos Jr. supported the project, including attending the February 2024 ceremonial signing of its civil works contracts, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of the Davao Region.

Rewind: The DPTMP was initiated under former president Rodrigo Duterte, while President Marcos Jr. advanced the project. In 2016, the groundwork began with a Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (PPTA), which ensured the project’s viability and compliance with ADB policies. In 2017, coordination between the ADB and the Davao City government intensified during Sara Duterte’s term as mayor, advancing the project’s development.

• In 2018, the engineering consulting firm GHD Pty. created the first Social Development Program (SDP) report. The NEDA Board approved the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) project— a crucial milestone during the Duterte administration. 
• The project coincided with the national Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) under former president Duterte.
• In 2019, the city government allocated an initial ₱100 million for the project’s preliminary implementation, but the project faced delays due to the late approval from NEDA.

Renamed: In 2020, the project was formally renamed the “Davao Public Transport Modernization Project” (DPTMP). In July 2023, the formal contract signing took place, with Marcos Jr. leading the Philippine government in finalizing the loan agreement with the ADB officials.

• Although spanning across two distinct administrations, both have played significant roles in the implementation and development of the said project.
• The Duterte administration initiated the project by laying the groundwork, securing initial NEDA approval, and overseeing its conceptualization and early planning phases.
• The Marcos Jr. administration ensured the project’s continuation and expansion by securing large-scale loan funding from the ADB and pushing for the commencement of civil works.

Why we’re fact-checking this: As of writing, the Facebook video has amassed 17,000 reactions, 5,200 comments, 2,000 shares, and 463,000 views.

Spot the fake: Always cross-reference social media posts with official government websites and announcements to get accurate details on government projects.

• Deceptive posts can mislead and create outrage between audiences. Jamaica Cabilis

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