ILOILO — More than half a billion pesos worth of seawall projects in Iloilo’s 5th District are mired in alleged delays, altered timelines, and expired contracts, sparking fears of fund misuse and putting flood protection at risk, Provincial Board member Rolex Suplico revealed before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on September 30.
Suplico claimed five seawall projects collectively worth P506.893 million remain either unfinished or severely behind schedule. He warned that the projects risk turning into symbols of corruption instead of safeguards for coastal communities.
“In the past weeks, our beloved nation has been bombarded with primetime drama, courtesy of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, on the flood control projects scam… We have to remind ourselves that we are dealing with public funds… the blood, sweat and tears of our people,” he said.
The seawall projects cited by Suplico were in:
* Barangay Mangorocoro, Ajuy (P143.220 million) – Supposed to begin May 26, 2025, but has not started. Suplico said the billboard was only put up hours before his inspection on Sept. 24.
* Barangay Barrido, Ajuy (P48.899 million) – Barely 10% complete despite its August 31, 2025 deadline. Suplico alleged that the project billboard was altered to extend completion to Nov. 30, 2025.
* Barangay Mangorocoro, Ajuy (P76.143 million) – Scheduled Feb. 13 to Sept. 24, 2025; construction reportedly only began last month.
* Barangay Poblacion, San Dionisio (P143.299 million) – Already eight months behind schedule, said Suplico. Initially due Jan. 20, 2025, but only 65% finished to date.
* Barangay Mangorocoro, Ajuy (P95.341 million) – Seven months delayed; supposed to finish Feb. 20, 2025, but currently only 70% complete.
Suplico questioned the bidding processes, completion extensions, change orders, and liquidated damages on this projects.
He proposed a resolution seeking documents on all flood control projects in the 5th District from July 2022 onward.
“This is my fifth speech here before the Sanggunian, and my fourth speech on corruption. I am not indifferent to the corruption that pervades our nation. I am consoled by the fact that this Sanggunian has listened to my requests and my speeches to help free the 5th District of Iloilo from corruption,” Suplico said./PN
