Councilor Rommel Duron has called out Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) chief Roy Pacanan for failing to attend a City Council hearing on the city’s flood control projects, warning that his absence shows “blatant disregard” for the legislative body’s authority and the public’s right to answers.

Duron, who chairs the Committee on Environment, said Pacanan was expected to explain delays, deficiencies, and site issues in multi-million peso flood mitigation projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The session, led by the Council’s Quad Committee, was also intended to align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive naming the country’s Top 15 flood control contractors—two of which are working in the city.

Mayor Raisa Treñas, in a statement, confirmed that St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp.—both in Marcos’ Top 15 list—are handling major projects in Lapuz and other parts of the city.

She said ICDEO’s own July 31 status report shows some works have been suspended, remain incomplete, or lack confirmed site locations, while others have allegedly worsened flooding.

“These projects are either non-functional, have caused flooding, or are, in some cases, practically non-existent,” Treñas said, pledging full cooperation with the Marcos-ordered probe.

“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,” she added.

Treñas said she was taken aback by ICDEO’s reaction describing the Council’s hearing as “political demolition” led by Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda.

She stressed that the City Council was merely acting on President Marcos’ own pronouncement in his State of the Nation Address to investigate flood control projects in the city.

“The committee hearing is an important venue for our legislative body to gather facts, so they can craft ordinances or local laws that directly address the urgent needs of our constituents,” Treñas said.

“Calling this a ‘political demolition’ is a baseless allegation. The Local Government Code clearly mandates the legislative branch to uphold the general welfare of our people, which includes protecting property and ensuring public safety. We have no other agenda but transparency, accountability, and service to the people of Iloilo City.”

Duron said the council will summon Pacanan again for a follow-up hearing on August 28, warning that continued absence could prompt stronger measures.

“This is not about politics. This is about transparency, accountability, and protecting our people from further suffering caused by flooding,” mayor Treñas stressed. IMT