ILOILO City – Mayor Raisa Treñas has ordered a full review of two infrastructure projects — the P4.1-million San Rafael Overpass Improvement Project in Mandurriao district and the P798,525.47 waiting shed in Barangay Katilingban, Molo district — amid mounting public questions over their costs and transparency.
Both projects are implemented by the City Engineer’s Office (CEO).
Treñas confirmed that her office is awaiting a detailed technical report from the CEO before making any conclusions.
“Ginapa-review lang naton. Wala ko pa gid nalantaw kay wala pa gid ka meeting kay gina-review pa nila,” the mayor said, adding that she has yet to be briefed on the findings.
Treñas clarified that neither of the two projects originated under her administration.
“Year 2024 pa ‘ni nga project. Ginalantaw ko subong wala pa may na-implement nga project from June 30, umpisa nagpungko ako,” she explained.
The P4.1-million “facelift” of the San Rafael Overpass (also known as the Diversion Road Overpass), located in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao became the first to spark controversy. The project, awarded to Stonebuilt Construction Services, began on September 24 and is slated for completion by December 8.
Project Engineer Jonberlie Ladua earlier defended the cost and design, stressing that the new overpass features distinct architectural and safety elements.
“Wala ni siya sang kaparehas kay every plano, lain-lain man. Wala man guro na may makit-an nga parehas sang iban,” he said, emphasizing that the project’s scope includes new roofing and steel framing, LED lighting, anti-slip decorative tiles, plumbing, repainting, and additional safety features.
He added that the project is “not delayed” and that the cost estimates were based on official price lists.
“May estimate kami nga ginhimo kag husto ang quantity. May allowance man kita nga allowable man kag ang presyo natun may pricelist man kita nga ginabasehan,” he said.
The overpass, built in 2015 for P20 million, has long been a source of public frustration after its two elevators — meant for senior citizens and persons with disabilities — failed to function consistently despite a P5.1-million repair allocation last year.
The second project, a waiting shed in Barangay Katilingban, Molo, cost nearly P800,000 — a figure that shocked residents and commuters who questioned whether the price tag matched the structure’s simplicity.
The project, implemented by the CEO and completed by Abelardo Builders and Supply in 25 days, lacked key information such as the funding source and start date on its billboard, further fueling public suspicion.
“Ordinary citizens who pass by can’t help but compare the structure to its price tag. Without clear details on funding, people are left wondering if the cost really matches what we see,” a concerned commuter said.
Transparency advocates and residents alike have called for an audit, arguing that “public money is public trust” and that even minor infrastructure should face the same level of scrutiny as multimillion-peso undertakings.
The results of the review are expected to determine whether further investigation or administrative action will be taken — a test case for how City Hall handles questions of spending integrity, no matter how small the project may seem./PN
