Flood control projects endorsed by Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda are under fire after multiple delays and suspensions tied to construction firms owned by couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Critics point out that Discaya firms began securing contracts as early as 2017, during the time of then-congressman Jerry Treñas.
One of their completed projects — the slope protection and riverbank improvement along the Iloilo River Right Bank (Muelle Loney Bridge) — was finished by Alpha and Omega Contractor and Development Corporation and has served its purpose for the past eight years.
But more recent Baronda-backed projects tell a different story.
Delayed and suspended works
The ₱141-million seawall project in Bo. Obrero, Lapuz, awarded to Alpha Omega, remains unfinished.
Punong Barangay James Conlu confirmed delays due to permit problems despite a December 2024 target completion.
Other flood mitigation projects under Discaya-linked firms show almost no progress:
▪️₱50-M Flood Mitigation, Section 1 (Alalasan, Lapuz): should have been finished August 2025, but only 0.30% complete before suspension.
▪️₱150-M Flood Mitigation Promenade (Batiano River, Section 1): due December 2025, yet only 0.09% progress.
▪️₱100-M Flood Control (Batiano River, Section 2): with a February 2026 deadline, currently at just 0.16% progress.
ICDEO cited informal settlers as a cause for suspension, but residents observed newly installed project billboards with altered or covered details such as cost and completion dates.
Marcos: ‘Palpak’ projects
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a recent visit, bluntly described Iloilo City’s flood projects as “palpak” and delayed. Yet no official has claimed responsibility.
Locals now question whether funds were prematurely released and if some projects were hastily started to align with expected inspections by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).
Billions for Baronda-linked projects
Between 2024 and 2025, Iloilo City received ₱1.8 billion in flood mitigation funds coursed through Baronda’s office.
Nearly ₱1 billion was awarded to Discaya-owned firms including St. Timothy Construction Corp., St. Gerard Construction Corp., and YPR General Contractor.
Data showed ₱374.5 million worth of projects in 2024 and nearly half a billion pesos more in 2025 were granted to the Discaya firms.
City still flooded
Despite the massive funding, residents remain doubtful. “Kun may amo na kadaku nga budget, ngaa apektado kami sa gihapon sang baha kun magtupa ang mamunog nga ulan?” a resident of Barangay Balantang, Jaro asked during an inspection with Mayor Raisa Treñas.
For critics, the question has become unavoidable: Are Baronda’s projects solving the flood problem — or creating more doubts about where the money goes? IMT
