Las Piñas Flood Control Projects Under Scrutiny
Las Piñas City District Representative Mark Anthony Santos has called on the House Committee on Infrastructure to summon the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) amid concerns over the funding and implementation of flood control projects. The representative pointed out that 39 flood control projects, collectively costing P2.2 billion, have been allocated across 20 barangays from 2022 to 2025, raising doubts about planning and resource management.
“Las Piñas only has 20 barangays, yet there are 39 flood control projects — meaning there are almost two projects for every barangay. This raises serious questions about planning, prioritization, and whether taxpayer money is being spent wisely,” Santos said. The keyphrase flood control projects emerges as a focal point in this ongoing debate.
Budget Allocations and Project Concerns
Officials reported that DPWH Undersecretary for Technical Services Ador Canlas confirmed an allocation of P437.1 million for 10 flood control projects in Las Piñas, but flooding issues persist. In 2023 alone, the DPWH Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office dedicated P572.9 million to nine projects, with significant contracts awarded to I&E Construction Corp. for works along Pasong Baka and Kantarilla creeks.
For 2024, P807.1 million was earmarked for 10 flood control projects, again with I&E Construction Corp. securing several multimillion-peso contracts. Similarly, E.F. Chua Construction Inc. obtained four projects worth P220.3 million in 2023 and additional large-scale contracts in 2024. This year, eight projects totaling P417.2 million are underway, with the largest single contract valued at P101.8 million awarded to E.F. Chua Construction Inc.
Delays and Questionable Project Progress
Despite substantial spending, community members and local leaders have raised concerns about project delays and incomplete works. The P101-million slope protection and flood control project in Barangay Talon 2, for example, is only 33.98 percent complete as of June 2025. Another project along Zapote River, worth P98.5 million and handled by E.F. Chua Construction Inc., reached only half completion by the same date.
Aside from flood control, several other multimillion-peso infrastructure initiatives in Las Piñas have come under scrutiny. Santos urged the House committee, led by Bicol Representative Terry Ridon, to broaden its investigation to include these questionable projects.
Investigation and Contractor Connections
Following revelations by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that only 15 of 2,409 accredited contractors secured P100 billion worth of flood control projects since July 2022, government officials have begun probing these contracts. The House is set to investigate DPWH’s project implementation, inviting all 15 contractors as resource persons.
Santos highlighted that most projects were concentrated among four to five contractors, allegedly relatives or allies of local politicians. He identified Zero One Construction and I&E Construction Corp. as key players in what he described as “ghost projects.” Notably, Carlo Aguilar, nephew of former senator Cynthia Villar, heads I&E Construction Corp.
Ghost Projects and Budget Mismanagement
Questions also arose about continuous budget releases for the C-5 Road Extension despite no tangible progress. Santos cited the P65.4-million rehabilitation in Barangay Manuyo Dos as a “ghost project” with zero percent accomplishment. Similarly, a P94-million project along the C-5 Diversion Road awarded to I&E Construction Inc. showed significant delays.
Additional projects flagged include a P28.9-million multi-purpose building in Barangay Talon 1 and a P7.8-million rehabilitation in Barangay Pamplona 3, both with no progress. The latter was reportedly overseen by a dismissed district engineer.
Another major concern is the P114.9-million by-pass and diversion project along the Alabang-Zapote Diversion Road, which reportedly has only 0.50 percent completion.
Calls for Accountability and Audits
Santos has urged the Commission on Audit to conduct a thorough audit and hold those responsible for negligence or possible corruption accountable. Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno recently called for an investigation into the alleged ghost flood control projects under the 2025 budget, including the Department of Budget and Management’s role in fund disbursement.
These developments come on the heels of President Marcos Jr.’s statements and Senator Panfilo Lacson’s disclosures about mechanisms allegedly used by officials and contractors to divert public funds.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
