Defensor opens 3rd District projects to investigation

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor declared that his district is open to any investigation into government infrastructure projects, emphasizing transparency and proper coordination among agencies and local government units.

In an interview, Defensor said he has already submitted to several media outlets a complete list of all infrastructure projects in his district.

“I am proud that we have an established system in the 3rd District where every project is consulted with LGUs—from barangay captains to mayors—and coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and my office,” he said.

The lawmaker highlighted that no project moves forward without the knowledge of the concerned mayor.

“There is no project that the mayor does not know about unless a budget was inserted without my knowledge and I am not the proponent,” he stressed.

He also acknowledged that delays are sometimes unavoidable due to external factors such as weather conditions, right-of-way issues, or opposition from affected landowners.

“So I understand that there are certain delays, but in general, all projects of the 3rd district are implemented properly,” he declared, sharing that he personally inspects ongoing projects and receives positive feedback from mayors across the district.

Defensor also urged that all districts in Iloilo province be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure that infrastructure projects are neither “ghost” nor substandard, and that these are not carried out by contractors with questionable reputations who perpetuate corruption.

He expressed full support for the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects nationwide, emphasizing that accountability must be pursued at all levels of government including higher officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Senate, the Congress, and the contractors who implemented the anomalous projects.

“This is plunder and graft corruption. There should be people imprisoned and held accountable for this huge crime. These are public funds—money that could have been used for hospitals, schools, and roads,” he expressed.

He confirmed that in Congress, the issue has already been referred to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure for investigation.