ILOILO City – Ongoing flood control projects in Iloilo City have drawn sharp reactions, further deepening the partisan divide in local politics, with some observers cautioning that the issue may be turning into a political tool.
Former mayor Jerry Treñas and his daughter, Mayor Raisa Treñas, have voiced concerns in public statements and social media posts, citing delays and disruptions in the construction. They argued that the works have inconvenienced residents and, in some areas, worsened flooding.
Some residents and political observers, however, contrasted this position with how the former mayor handled the controversy over the P680-million Ungka flyover.
The structure, which spans Iloilo City and Pavia, was ordered closed to traffic in September 2022 after it was found “sinking,” creating traffic bottlenecks that persist today, with motorists and businesses citing its lasting economic impact.
“Commuters were calling for stronger action, but the response from local leaders was seen as muted,” one commuter remarked.
The flood control projects were initiated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“When projects are associated with allies, criticisms are tempered. But when linked to opponents, every delay or issue is magnified,” a local commentator said. He noted that such differing responses illustrate the partisan nature of infrastructure debates in the city.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, along with several barangay captains allied with her camp, have raised concerns about the impact of the ongoing works. She cited the case of a teenager who drowned in Buntatala Creek while playing with friends and claimed the creek had narrowed due to the project.
DPWH engineers, however, countered that the width of the creek was increased as part of the works, from 1.5 to 2 meters to 3 to 4 meters.
The bike lane was also questioned, but DPWH said it did not reduce the creek’s width and likened it to the Iloilo Esplanade — only for cyclists./PN
