Flood-Control Projects Since 2016 Raise Concerns
As the cooler “ber” months arrive, many Filipinos are feeling an unexpected chill—not from the weather, but from revelations about anomalies in flood-control projects since 2016. The discovery that these irregularities began the same year former President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office has sparked widespread concern, noted Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila De Lima.
De Lima highlighted this issue in a recent social media post, commenting, “Hello to those who are cold, not because it’s the ber months, but because they found out that the anomalous flood control project started in 2016.” Her statement came alongside a lighthearted meme referencing Filipino Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan, but the message was clear: the problems in flood-control projects have deep roots.
Senate Hearing Sheds Light on Flood-Control Project Bidding
During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, contractor Sarah Discaya revealed that she began participating in bidding for flood-control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) starting in 2016. She confirmed this timeline in response to Senator Bato Dela Rosa, an ally of Duterte, emphasizing that her involvement spanned from “2016 onwards.” Sources familiar with the hearing report that this statement brought renewed scrutiny to project awards during Duterte’s administration.
Discaya is president of Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor and Development Corp, one of 15 contractors accredited by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to receive a significant portion of the flood mitigation budget. Officials noted that these 15 companies were awarded P100 billion, representing 18 percent of the P545-billion budget allocated for flood-control projects from July 2022 to May 2025.
Contractor’s Business Growth and Luxury Display Stir Public Reaction
Sarah Discaya disclosed that her company bid on 91 projects in 2022 alone, winning 71. Moreover, she revealed that her family owns nine separate companies, which reportedly flourished after entering the DPWH flood-control bidding process. Community members who have followed the case observed that Discaya has publicly showcased her family’s collection of luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, GMC Suburban, and G63 models.
These displays of wealth have drawn criticism amid ongoing investigations into the legitimacy of flood-control project awards. Local leaders and watchdog groups continue to call for transparency and accountability to ensure that public funds are used effectively to protect communities from flooding risks.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The revelations about anomalies in flood-control projects since 2016 have intensified demands for thorough investigations. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of safeguarding public money and restoring trust in government infrastructure programs, especially those vital for disaster mitigation.
As these concerns unfold, many Filipinos remain vigilant, hoping the government will prioritize transparency and implement reforms that prevent future irregularities in flood-control initiatives.
For more news and updates on anomalies in flood-control projects since 2016, visit Filipinokami.com.
