ILOILO City – Persistent flooding has prompted the Iloilo City Council to seek an independent investigation into P1.75-billion flood control projects here.
Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia led the call during a privilege speech, urging the government’s Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to scrutinize projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Iloilo City District Engineering Office (DPWH-ICDEO).
Sarabia said the projects have failed to deliver tangible results despite the substantial public funds already disbursed.
“We are talking about P1.75 billion already spent, yet many areas still flood whenever it rains. Now, there’s another P4.7 billion being requested. How can we justify that if the first projects remain incomplete?” he said.
The councilor cited reports of inefficiency, idle works, and release of the 15% mobilization fund despite the alleged absence of visible progress on the ground.
Under procurement rules, mobilization funds are released immediately after project awarding, but Sarabia said such a policy becomes problematic when no actual work begins. He singled out the Batiano River and Budburan-Mansaya Creek flood control projects, noting their “minimal to no visible progress.”
“If we go by what we see on the ground, there are no clear structures. These projects raise more questions than answers,” he said, dismissing the DPWH’s defense that the Batiano project was legitimate merely because of a billboard as “unacceptable.”
Councilors also questioned the “buildability” of some project sites, warning that proceeding with construction in unsuitable areas violates efficiency and feasibility standards under the Government Procurement Act.
“If a project was not buildable from the start, then it should not have been approved,” Sarabia added.
Acknowledging that the City Council lacks investigative powers over national agencies, members agreed that the ICI should step in to ensure transparency and accountability.
“We don’t have subpoena or contempt powers, so we can’t compel district officials to explain. That’s why we are appealing for an independent body to step in,” Sarabia said./PN
