A P100-million road project in Barangay Manasa, Alimodian is under the spotlight as the Iloilo Provincial Board launches an investigation into its controversial funding, allegedly classified as a congressional “insertion” in the 2025 national budget.
The project, a Road Slope Protection Structure handled by M.S. Ramos Construction Inc. under the DPWH–Iloilo Fourt District Engineering Office, has raised eyebrows after former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co revealed a list of P100 billion in insertion projects, including the Alimodian site.
Insertion projects are special allocations added or modified by lawmakers to the National Expenditure Program before it becomes part of the General Appropriations Act.
Fourth District Board Member Rolando Distura, chair of the Committee on Infrastructure, confirmed a hearing scheduled for December 9, to get answers on the project’s status, site selection rationale, and the lawmakers behind its inclusion.
“We want to establish the facts—was this project truly an insertion, and who authorized it?” he said.
Key officials expected to attend include the Commission on Audit, Alimodian Mayor, Municipal Engineer, DPWH Fourth District officials, the contractor, and Barangay Manasa leaders.
The investigation gained momentum after 2nd District Board Member June Mondejar raised the issue in a privilege speech, initially referred to the Committee on Public Order and Safety before being transferred to the Infrastructure Committee.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Board has also requested detailed records from three other District Engineering Offices covering all flood control projects from 2022 to 2025, part of a broader province-wide review of insertion-funded initiatives.
Officials say the probe is part of a continuing effort to uphold transparency, accountability, and responsible use of taxpayer money—sending a clear message that every peso of national funding for local projects will be scrutinized.IMT
