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GMA Network
7 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Alleged ghost projects in Iloilo City are 'on sked,' says DPWH
The Local Government Unit of Iloilo City has tagged two of four flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Iloilo City District Engineering Office (DPWH-ICDEO) as 'ghost projects.' 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).
GMA Network
22-07-2025
- GMA Network
Mandaue City seeks to penalize illegal use, manufacture of PWD IDs
The Local Government Unit of Mandaue City is keen on penalizing persons found to have used and manufactured fake identification (ID) cards of persons with disability (PWD). On July 22, 2025, the 47th National Disability Rights Week in Mandaue City opened formally. The City Council passed two proposed ordinances specific to the PWD sector. The first is an ordinance on providing parking privilege to vehicles owned by PWDs who can present their official IDs. Under the ordinance, PWDs get three hours of free parking in public and private establishments in the city. The ordinance seeks inclusion of non-residents who may avail of the privilege, provided they have the proper identification cards. However, after three hours, parking regulations of establishments shall take effect. Meanwhile, in a session on July 22, 2025, a proposed ordinance on penalizing persons using and or manufacturing bogus PWD IDs was passed. Once proven guilty, suspects will face fines of around P5,000. The manufacture of fake PWD IDs has earlier been reported to have occurred in other areas meant to claim PWD privileges. In Mandaue City, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) implemented steps to ensure that the IDs would not be used in unscrupulousness. 'An ordinance declaring unlawful the use, publication or fabrication of fake PWD IDs, para og dunay makit-ang fake PWD IDs, pasakaan og kaso,' Councilor Carlo Fortuna said. The proposed ordinances are on first reading. The City Council will summon stakeholders to further discuss the issues.
