Alleged ghost projects in Iloilo City are 'on sked,' says DPWH
The projects are undertaken by two of 15 contractors that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. named as having the most number of flood control projects handled nationwide.
'Ang daming projects. Yung iba hindi namin makita. Sometimes projects, naka-specify lang or general lang. Walang specific address,' Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas said.
However, based on a press release of DPWH-ICDEO, the four projects are 'ongoing and on schedule.'
DPWH-ICDEO said that three of the projects are in Bo. (Barrio) Obrero, Lapuz District, while one is in Barangay Tacas, Jaro District.
The flood mitigation structure Section 1 with a contract amount of approximately P142 million is on 98.83 percent completion reportedly; while Section 2 is on 95.85 percent completion with a contract price of about P142 million.
The flood mitigation project in Bo. Obrero is worth over P119 million and is at 51.47 completion rate reportedly.
These projects are undertaken by Saint Timothy Construction Corporation.
The Iloilo Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Project Section 2 in Jaro, said to be 35 percent complete, with a contract price of over P144 million, is handled by Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development Corporation.
"As far as the DPWH-IIloilo City District Engineering Office is concerned, wala kaming project na non-existent na sinasabi nila. May mga proof kami na nag-e-exist itong mga projects,' said Fema Guadalupe, spokesperson of DPWH-ICDEO.
On the other hand, Obrero Barangay Chairman James Conlu said that the project completion was slated in December 2024. However, it was stalled.
Conlu said that the project (Sections 1 and 2) are yet at 60 percent completion. He cited, as of this writing, that the concrete culverts have not been put in place yet.
'Hinahanapan yan sila ng mayor's permit. Nakabalik sila (sa trabaho) kung hindi ako nagkakamali nitong June (2025) lang,' Conlu said.
According to DPWH 6, aside from the four projects, there are at least 194 ongoing flood control projects in Western Visayas since 2022. A total of 322 projects were completed, while 11 have not commenced yet.
Meanwhile, DPWH 6 Director, Engr. Joel Limpengco confirmed of the relief order against DPWH-ICDEO District Engineer Roy Pacanan.
Limpengco, hower, clarified that it has nothing to do with the issue on flood control projects.
"Kulang siya ng supervisory level pa ng more than a year. Ibabalik siya sa assistant district engineer. Hindi related. Nagkataon lang na nagkasabay,' Limpengco said.
The relief order reportedly bears no specific date.
Pacanan will be transferred reportedly to Region 8 (Eastern Visayas).
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