Congressman Urges Probe on Flood Control Projects
Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to assist in investigating flood control projects across his district. The congressman emphasized the need for thorough audits to ensure the safety and quality of these vital infrastructures.
“We are trying our best to audit the projects of DPWH in the 1st District of Batangas, with the help of the affected LGUs (local government units). We’ve even hired engineers and consultants at my own expense. But it will be hard for us to solve the problems of the DPWH Batangas 1st District Engineering Office without the help of DPWH,” Leviste said in a recent statement.
Major Issues Found in Flood Control Projects
During inspections, the team led by Leviste uncovered three significant flood control project mishaps that remain unexplained by the DPWH. These projects, which collectively cost nearly P2 billion, are located along critical river systems in Batangas.
Notably, the flood control works along the Binambang River in Balayan involved sheet piles measuring only 3.9 to 5.5 meters. These are far shorter than the required 15 meters. Although the DPWH has committed to replacing the piles at the contractor’s expense, the agency has yet to clarify why the original materials fell short of standards.
Similar Concerns in Lemery and Calaca
Along the Pansipit River in Lemery, another flood control project worth approximately P1 billion used sheet piles ranging from 6.1 to 9.1 meters instead of the mandated 12 meters. Local officials reported they were not informed about the project, which proceeded without securing a building permit.
In response, the DPWH has proposed terminating the contract and has ceased payments to the contractor involved. Meanwhile, a segment of the Diokno Highway in Calaca collapsed during recent rains. Initially, the DPWH regional office claimed additional funds were needed and faulted no contractor. However, repairs are now being made at the contractor’s expense.
Document Requests and Calls for Accountability
Leviste’s office, together with the affected local government units, has requested essential documents from the DPWH to aid in the investigation. So far, these requests remain unfulfilled, hampering efforts to fully understand the scope of the issues.
“Beyond repairing damaged or substandard projects and re-assigning the involved personnel, I respectfully ask Secretary Bonoan to help in the investigation of the DPWH Batangas 1st District Engineering Office to prevent these issues from happening again,” the congressman appealed.
Bribery Allegations and Ongoing Legal Actions
On August 26, Leviste filed a formal complaint against Abelardo Calalo, a DPWH engineer arrested for allegedly offering him a P3 million bribe. Calalo purportedly sought a cut from government contracts awarded to a contractor responsible for river protection projects along the Binambang, Pansipit, and Palico rivers, totaling P104 million.
Calalo allegedly mentioned that several contractors wanted to give Leviste between 5 to 10 percent of project costs. The congressman indicated that Calalo might become a state witness to expose those contractors involved in bribery schemes.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
