Marcos Vows to Resolve Problematic Flood Control Projects
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to confront the controversies surrounding problematic flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) before his term ends in three years. His latest inspection in Benguet province revealed serious issues with infrastructure that threaten public safety and economic stability.
During his visit to Tuba town, the President personally observed the failures of flood control measures, highlighting the urgency of addressing these problematic flood control projects. Local leaders and DPWH officials accompanied him as he examined the damaged rock shed along Kennon Road, a vital route connecting Baguio City to La Union.
Inspection Reveals Failures on Kennon Road
The P264-million rock shed project at Purok Millsite Sitio Camp 6 in Barangay Camp 4 was found to have disintegrated, causing dangerous boulders to fall onto the road. This has forced the closure of Kennon Road to motorists due to the high risk of rockfalls and landslides. President Marcos urged the public to use alternative routes such as Marcos Highway and the Asin-Nangalisan-San Pascual-La Union Road.
“Here is the problem: This P260 million project [is] useless. It’s like the government threw money into the river. Useless,” the President remarked. He added that repairing the damage would cost roughly double, estimating around P500 million.
Contractor’s Political Links Spark Concerns
Investigations revealed that 3K Rock Engineering, the private contractor awarded nearly P400 million for two flood control projects in the area, is politically linked to the President. The company’s general manager, engineer Francis Cuyop, ran unsuccessfully for congressman under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the same party as President Marcos.
From 2018 to 2023, 3K Rock Engineering secured 43 projects totaling P1.55 billion, some of which were won in partnership with other contractors. Officials reported that this political connection raises questions about transparency and accountability in awarding government contracts.
Additional Rock Netting Project Also Faulty
President Marcos also inspected a separate rock netting project, also executed by 3K Rock Engineering. This P114.18-million contract involved installing a 3,479-square meter active mesh system along Kennon Road at Purok Maramal to stabilize rock formations and reduce landslide risks.
The rock netting, completed in 2019, has been criticized for corruption and inefficiency. “This rock netting is very notorious for corruption. Rock netting has already been banned, but it kept being implemented,” the President said. He also pointed out overcharging issues related to the materials used.
Marcos Commits to Fixing Infrastructure Problems
Despite the setbacks, President Marcos committed to resolving all infrastructure problems linked to flood control projects during his remaining term. “If there’s one thing [that I promise], I will not leave this office until it (the government) fixes this issue,” he vowed.
The President warned those involved in fraudulent flood control projects that they would face charges of economic sabotage, a nonbailable offense punishable by life imprisonment. Local leaders in Tuba estimate that the closure of Kennon Road has caused economic losses of up to 35 percent, affecting businesses and livelihoods.
“So it’s not only the physical damage that you can see but it is also the damage to the economy. It is also the damage to the people’s livelihood,” Marcos said. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done [here]. So, how can you tell me that it’s not economic sabotage?”
Looking Ahead
As the government continues to investigate these problematic flood control projects, the public remains hopeful that President Marcos’ firm stance will lead to greater transparency and improved infrastructure safety nationwide.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
