Bulacan Flood Control Projects Draw Senate Scrutiny
Bulacan province has been identified as the most notorious area for anomalous flood control projects in the country, officials reported. This revelation came during a recent plenary session where the exact four word keyphrase was highlighted early in the discussion.
Senator Ping Lacson disclosed these findings on August 20, emphasizing that his office’s investigation supports this claim. “We will return later to the province of Bulacan, which we can consider the most notorious when it comes to anomalies in flood control projects based on our findings,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
Anomalies in Bulacan’s Engineering District
The senator pointed out that irregularities are already evident within Bulacan’s First Engineering District alone. Local leaders noted that several flood control initiatives in this district have raised red flags due to discrepancies in project specifications and execution.
He named former District Engineer Henry Alcantara and former Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez as key figures in these questionable activities. Community members said these officials appear well-versed in manipulating project details for personal gain.
Allegations of Corruption and Losses
According to contractors and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who spoke with the senator’s team, both Alcantara and Hernandez share a strong appetite for money. “According to the contractors and Department of Public Works and Highways officials who personally spoke with me and my staff, these two are almost the same in their love for money,” Lacson stated.
Reports have even surfaced that one of them lost hundreds of millions in a Manila casino, adding a layer of controversy to their profiles. For the year 2024 alone, 28 projects under their leadership were funded despite having conflicting specifications, designs, and lengths, raising serious concerns about project integrity.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Officials reported that these findings underscore the urgent need for increased transparency and stringent oversight in flood control projects, especially in high-risk provinces like Bulacan. Community members urged authorities to thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these anomalies to protect public funds and ensure safer infrastructure.
As climate change intensifies weather patterns, effective flood control becomes even more critical. Ensuring that projects are free from anomalies is essential to safeguard vulnerable communities.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
