ILOILO City – If science-based studies confirm that flood control projects in this city worsened flooding, these should be dismantled, according to Mayor Raisa Treñas.
She urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the academic community to conduct an objective and evidence-driven evaluation.
“These structures have caused damage to property and even claimed lives – isa diri sa Iloilo City kag isa sa banwa sang Oton,” Treñas said, citing testimonies from barangay officials and residents who reported that flooding became more severe in areas with newly built waterways.
Treñas also condemned what she described as the misuse of public funds on projects “nga ginpatuman nga wala sang husto nga plano kag konsultasyon.”
“It is unacceptable nga bilyones sang kwarta sang pumuluyo halin sa buwis, gin-usik lang sa mga proyekto nga wala naga-function, indi epektibo, kag ginpatuman paagi sa illegal kag unconstitutional insertions,” she said.
Treñas added: “Kun mapamatud-an nga amo ini ang nagadala sang pagbaha, I am calling on the national government to demolish these unstudied projects.”
The mayor echoed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who earlier flagged “palpak” and “delayed” flood control projects during his inspection in Iloilo City.
“What a waste of the people’s money para sa mga palpak kag delayed nga flood control projects base sa inspection kag statement mismo ni President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.,” Treñas said.
Late last week, engineers from DPWH central office descended on Iloilo City to conduct an in-depth investigation into flagged flood control projects, a move seen as a direct response to President Marcos’ recent public rebuke of the works.
The Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) team began inspections on Aug. 15, to pinpoint project locations, assess construction quality, and determine whether the structures are mitigating or worsening flooding — particularly in the wake of three recent typhoons.
Treñas met with the investigators.
“We are ready to provide all necessary documents and information because public money matters, and the people’s money must be used properly. Again, our commitment to transparency, accountability, and clean public service for the Ilonggos remains firm,” she said.
After make an ocular inspection here on Aug. 13, Marcos posted on Facebook: “Inatasan ko ang DPWH na panagutin at i-blacklist ang mga palpak na contractors.”
Treñas dismissed claims from Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) that the probe was politically motivated, stressing that the President himself had raised concerns.
“We have long been requesting proper coordination before the start of any project because the LGU (local government unit) knows the problems in our communities best. At the end of the day, it is the city government that has to face the people when flooding occurs,” she said./PN
