![“This [flood control scheme] is a corruption on a scale that we have not seen in the past,” says Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. “The Napoles scandal is like petty change compared to this.”](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ombudsman_copy_resized-218x150.jpg "FLOOD CONTROL SCANDAL: Ombudsman cases filed vs DPWH staff, contractors")
BACOLOD City – Cong. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Bacolod City Engineering District to divert the P120 million originally allocated for solar studs to solar streetlights in the city.
He made the directive following a meeting with DPWH officials, where he learned that the 2025 budget included P120 million for solar studs across three project sites.
The solon argued that solar studs are unnecessary along Lacson Street and other areas, citing their tendency to break down easily and their limited usefulness.
“I have directed the DPWH to divert the funds to solar streetlights instead, particularly in areas where they are needed — and to return any excess or unused funds to the national government,” Benitez said.
He stressed that resources should be reallocated to projects that bring tangible benefits to residents.
“The solar studs project should be abandoned. Funds must instead support solar streetlights, which are more effective, more transparent, and more responsive to the needs of our communities,” he added.
Present during the meeting were DPWH District Engineer Leah Jamero, Assistant District Engineer Antonio Valenzuela, and Planning Chief Engr. Lionel Besa.
They also discussed updates on ongoing initiatives and proposed projects for 2026.
“These consultations are important to ensure that infrastructure projects are aligned with community needs and contribute to the long-term development of Bacolod,” Benitez said./PN
