Calls for Investigation into Flood Control Projects
Local chief executives have urged a thorough investigation into companies involved in questionable flood control projects. Concerns arose after it was revealed that 15 contractors secured over 2,000 of the 10,000 available contracts nationwide, raising suspicions about project integrity and transparency.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto emphasized the urgency of examining these flood control projects, referencing Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas’ observations about similar issues within her jurisdiction. “As per Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, may problema rin ang four flood control projects ng Discaya companies sa kanila. (Nasa P120M-P150M ang bawat proyekto—total P570M),” Sotto shared in a Facebook post. He added that these projects are either non-functional, have caused flooding, or in some cases, are practically non-existent.
Local Officials Highlight Problematic Projects
The four flood control projects in Iloilo City were awarded to companies owned by the Discaya family, relatives of Sotto’s 2025 election opponent, Sarah Discaya. Mayor Sotto urged accountability, stating, “Kung gusto natin ng mas maayos na kinabukasan para sa ating bayan, panagutin natin ang mga taong nasa likod nito. Putulin na natin ang siklong ito.” Community members noted that these revelations demand immediate action to prevent further damage and misuse of public funds.
Prior to Sotto’s statement, Mayor Treñas expressed support for the investigation initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She acknowledged the president’s disclosure of data naming the 15 contractors handling the majority of flood control projects nationwide.
Iloilo City’s Commitment to Transparency
Mayor Treñas remarked, “I take serious note of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement this morning, naming the Top 15 contractors for flood control projects nationwide.” She pointed out that two of the top five firms, St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp., are actively working on major flood control projects in Iloilo City. These projects are managed by the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO).
The city government has pledged full cooperation, providing all necessary information to aid the ongoing investigation. Mayor Treñas stressed the gravity of the situation, saying, “Flooding has brought severe and repeated suffering to our communities, especially during heavy rains and typhoons. If there are delays, deficiencies, or any misuse of public funds, the people of Iloilo City have the absolute right to know, and those responsible must be held to account without fear or favor.”
Links Between Contractors and Political Figures
Earlier, Mayor Sotto disclosed that two of the top 15 contractors identified by President Marcos belong to the Discaya family. The firms Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction Corporation ranked second and third, respectively, on the list.
While the president did not directly accuse these companies of corruption, he described their prominence as a “disturbing assessment.” This scrutiny aligns with broader government efforts to ensure integrity in infrastructure, particularly flood control projects.
Government Stance and Legislative Warnings
President Marcos condemned officials and contractors involved in kickbacks during his fourth State of the Nation Address, warning that he will not approve any national budget that fails to align with the administration’s priorities—even if it means reenacting the current budget.
Senator Panfilo Lacson previously warned that nearly half of the nearly P2 trillion allocated for flood control projects since 2011 may have been lost to inefficiencies or misuse. His concerns followed severe flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces caused by multiple cyclones and an intensified southwest monsoon.
Political Reactions and Public Scrutiny
Following the release of the contractor list, observers noticed ties between some firms and politicians, including Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, Senate President Francis Escudero, and the Discaya family. Neither Discaya nor Co has issued statements, while Escudero dismissed allegations as a “demolition job” against him.
Escudero faced criticism after reports surfaced indicating he inserted P142.7 billion for flood control projects into the 2025 national budget during bicameral conference committee deliberations, just before the budget’s ratification and signing.
With mounting calls for transparency and accountability, local leaders and community members remain vigilant in demanding a clean and effective approach to flood control projects.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
