ILOILO – Mounting doubts over the integrity of multimillion-peso flood control projects in northern Iloilo have prompted the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to press the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 to release detailed contract records.
The push came through a resolution authored by 5th District Board Member Rolex Suplico, who questioned the quality and transparency of projects worth P855.6 million in Ajuy town and demanded bills of quantities as well as the names and addresses of the project contractors.
“While we have acknowledged receipt of the resolution in the regional office, it is important to note that the details outlined in the resolution will be subsequently forwarded to the Iloilo 3rd District Engineering office for further action, as it falls under their jurisdiction,” said DPWH-6 officer-in-charge Regional Director Joel Limpengco.
“But, we will ensure that this transition is completed with proper coordination and collaboration with the regional office… to maintain clarity and efficiency in addressing the issues raised,” he added.
In his privilege speech, Suplico singled out flood control works in Barangay Barrido (P203.461 million), Barangay Pili (P240.723 million), and Barangay Mangorocoro (P411.430 million), saying residents had raised complaints that demand accountability in the use of public funds.
He tied his call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, where the chief executive lambasted alleged corruption in flood control projects.
Suplico noted that since July 2022, DPWH allocated P548 billion for 9,855 flood control projects nationwide, but one-fifth — or P100 billion — was cornered by only 15 contractors.
Among them, he said, was a Cebu-based contractor with only P1.2 million in paid-up capital and no declared income for nearly a decade, yet managed to secure 93 contracts worth P7.383 billion, including a P95.3-million project in Barangay Mangorocoro, Ajuy.
Still, fellow 5th District Board Member Nielito Tupas cautioned against focusing scrutiny solely on Suplico’s district.
“While we must demand accountability, we should not single out the 5th District in our demand for a performance audit and review. Instead, let us apply scrutiny across the entire Iloilo Province,” Tupas said./PN
