Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly criticized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for not fulfilling multiple campaign vows, focusing particularly on delays in infrastructure projects that were part of the previous administration's Build, Build, Build program.

In comments made during a media interview, Duterte highlighted the stagnation of the Davao Bus Project, formerly known as the High Priority Bus System (HPBS), which was aimed at mitigating the traffic congestion faced by Davao City.

Duterte stated, "Huwag na tayong lumayo meron tayong big-ticket projects in Davao City tulad ng High Priority Bus System, that is going nowhere na dapat sana ay nagawa na ngayon para nakikita na ng kapitbahay natin,” which translates to, "We don’t have to look far.

Here in Davao City, we have big-ticket projects like the High Priority Bus System that are going nowhere.

It should have been completed by now so that even our neighboring cities could see and benefit from it." She further conveyed her skepticism regarding the project's future completion under the current administration and emphasized the need for accountability.

"Time is up.

This is no longer the time to stay silent.

Someone needs to raise the alarm that the current administration is not delivering what it promised to the people," she stated.

Duterte underscored that the Davao Bus Project was envisioned to serve as a model for other areas in Mindanao, demonstrating the potential of a cleaner and more efficient transportation system.

On May 12, 2025, the same day as her media statements, Duterte exercised her right to vote at a polling precinct located at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Matina Crossing, Davao City.

In response to concerns regarding the Davao Bus Project, the Department of Transportation - Project Office for Davao (DOTr-Davao) confirmed in January that the project is making progress despite experiencing an eight-month delay.

Authorities indicated that funding for the initiative is secured, but certain documentary requirements still need resolution.

Richard Villanueva, a DOTr Project Evaluation Officer, acknowledged that delays are typical in extensive projects.

He reported that land acquisition efforts for key components such as terminals, depots, and bus stops are ongoing.

The project faced setbacks partly due to the delayed approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in 2019, which necessitated a revalidation of the feasibility study, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Davao Bus Project is slated to incorporate a comprehensive network of 29 routes spanning approximately 672 kilometers, connecting various sectors of Davao City and extending to Panabo City.

It is expected to deploy around 1,105 buses across these routes, supported by over 1,000 designated bus stops.

Initially anticipated to commence operations by late 2024, the project aims for full operational status by 2025. While awaiting the completion of the bus project, Davao City continues to implement the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (Phabs) and has acquired 10 new buses for DCBus to alleviate traffic congestion among commuters.