Critical flood mitigation projects in Iloilo City, handled by top contractors Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation and St. Timothy Construction Corporation, are noticeably missing from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Sumbong sa Pangulo” tracking website.
The absence of these multi-million peso projects—either by omission or possible deliberate non-reporting—raises urgent questions about transparency, accountability, and public safety, prompting concerns that the President may have been misled from initiating further investigation or corrective action.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has yet to correct the list or provide clarification.
Local projects unaccounted for
Barangay Obrero Punong Barangay James Conlu confirmed that Sections 1 and 2 of the flood mitigation project in his area, with budgets of P141 million and P142 million, respectively, were awarded to St. Timothy Construction Corporation.
The project, which began in February 2024, was paused due to permitting issues and resumed in October, yet the original completion target of December 2024 has not been met.
Further reports indicate another P125-million St. Timothy project remains unlisted.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Project – Section 2, managed by Alpha & Omega, lacks a specified location and carries a projected completion date of March 24, 2026.
The omissions prevent residents from monitoring progress or raising concerns, intensifying demands for accountability.
During his August 13 visit to Iloilo, Marcos personally inspected several flood mitigation sites, including Sections 9 and 10 in Jaro, which have faced delays and implementation problems.
“I saw delayed and defective flood control projects that have aggravated flooding,” Marcos said, directing the DPWH to hold contractors accountable and blacklist those who fail to deliver.
Former Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas escalated calls for responsibility, urging DPWH-Iloilo City District Engineer Roy Pacanan and DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to resign.
“The issue is not just defective implementation, but also the leadership entrusted with oversight,” Treñas said.
He described their resignations as a moral imperative, adding: “Only through their stepping down can an independent, objective, and scientific evaluation of these projects proceed without interference or prejudice.”
Treñas emphasized that “proper accountability demands more than words; it requires responsibility,” highlighting the urgent need for transparency in projects that directly affect public safety and livelihoods.
City Mayor Raisa Treñas also criticized the omissions, citing the July 31 status report from the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO), which showed several projects were suspended, incomplete, or lacked confirmed site locations.
“These projects are either non-functional, have caused flooding, or are practically non-existent,” she said, pledging full cooperation with the Marcos-ordered investigation.
As scrutiny grows, local officials and residents are demanding immediate transparency and corrective action to ensure that multi-million peso flood control initiatives actually protect communities instead of exacerbating Iloilo City’s flooding problems.IMT
