ILOILO City – Mayor Raisa S. Treñas has expressed full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s investigation into alleged irregularities in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-implemented flood control projects nationwide, two of which involve contractors handling major works in Iloilo City.
“I fully support the ongoing investigation initiated by President Marcos Jr. into these contractors and their projects. The Iloilo City Government, under my administration, will cooperate fully and provide all information necessary to aid this process,” the city mayor said.
In his pronouncement Monday morning, President Marcos identified the country’s Top 15 contractors for flood control projects, citing questionable practices such as the absence of specific project details, the use of identical designs and materials despite varying sites, and potential redundancy.
Among those named, St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp., both ranked in the Top 5, are currently implementing multi-million peso projects under the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO).
Based on ICDEO’s July 31, 2025 status report, these include:
* St. Timothy Construction Corp. – Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure, Section 1, Lapuz, Iloilo City (₱150M; original expiry December 16, 2024)
* St. Timothy Construction Corp. – Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure, Section 2, Lapuz, Iloilo City (₱150M; original expiry December 16, 2024)
* St. Timothy Construction Corp. – Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure, Section 1, Iloilo City (₱125M; original expiry November 14, 2024; suspended June 9, 2025 due to obstructions and unspecified project site)
* Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp. – Iloilo Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Project, Section 2 (₱150M; target completion March 24, 2026; unspecified project site)
“These projects have either failed to function, worsened flooding, or, in some cases, do not even exist,” Treñas said. “The people deserve answers and those responsible must be held to account without fear or favor.”
While the President has raised questions over these projects, DPWH–Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) head Roy Pacanan dismissed the issue as “political demolition.”
His remarks came as the Iloilo City Council, through Resolution No. 2025-735, called for an investigation in aid of legislation into all public and private works along the city’s rivers, creeks, and waterways.
Local legislators are scrutinizing such projects amid mounting evidence that encroachments, narrowed channels, and obstructed drainage have aggravated flooding in several districts.
Meanwhile, the lady mayor also renewed her call for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and independent experts to review the environmental and engineering impact of all flood control projects, bike lanes, roads, and esplanades in Iloilo City, worth billions of pesos, on the natural flow of water.
“Kinahanglan naton hibaluon ang epekto sang sini nga mga bike lanes, dalan, kag esplanade kag sang mga flood control projects nga nagabalor sang bilyones ka pesos sa natural flow sang tubig halin sa ginhalinan sini, kag kon ini bala nagasunod sa ginatawag nga Iloilo City Drainage Master Plan sang DPWH, nga hasta subong wala pa ginpakita sa aton,” the city mayor emphasized.
This review must also assess the real effects of these massive constructions on the people, especially as Iloilo City suffered greatly during the last three typhoons; the influence of climate change on rainwater volume and tidal conditions; and whether these projects comply with proper plans, specifications, and environmental safeguards.
Treñas warned that many projects were implemented without LGU consultation or permits, and in some cases were built hastily, even at night, damaging property, disrupting communities, and endangering lives.
“If proven defective, these should be demolished. Paguba nalang kay nagapalala sang baha, perwisyo sa propyedad kag kabuhi sang mga Ilonggo,” Treñas said, noting that flooding during recent typhoons has already claimed lives./PN
