FLOOD PROJECT FIASCO: Marcos hits delayed, shoddy flood projects in Iloilo City; orders crackdown on erring firms

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor 

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. criticized the delayed and poorly executed flood control projects in Iloilo City, saying they worsen flooding and must be addressed immediately, following an on-site inspection on Wednesday, August 13.

Marcos inspected two sections of the flood mitigation project in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, ahead of the inauguration of the PHP885-million rehabilitated fish port complex.

The projects — Sections 9 and 10 — are being undertaken by Iloilo-based F. Gurrea Construction Inc., each with a PHP144-million contract funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, based on the status report of the Iloilo City District Engineering Office.

“In my visit to Iloilo, we saw delayed and substandard flood control projects that are further worsening the flooding,” Marcos wrote in a Facebook post.

The president was joined by Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, and lone district Rep. Julienne Baronda during the inspection.

Section 9 is 90% complete, with its contract originally set to expire in December 2024 but later extended to September 2025.

The project includes bank and slope protection works, sheet piling, concrete pavement, and backwall construction.

The ICDEO cited delays caused by illegal settlers and obstructions within the project limits, as well as the late issuance of a tree-cutting permit.

Section 10 is 77% complete, with its contract extended from December 2024 to April 2025.

The project involves drainage augmentation near a condominium in Barangay Tabuc Suba, requested by former mayor Jerry Treñas in May 2024.

As of March 2025, work was suspended due to obstructions from informal settlers. Completed works include slope protection and concrete pavement, while pending tasks involve installing the drainage system.

“I call on the DPWH to hold accountable and blacklist incompetent contractors,” Marcos said.

According to the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” list of flood projects, F. Gurrea Construction has handled 11 flood-related projects in Iloilo City and province since 2022.

In Iloilo City, these include the PHP96-million Rehabilitation of Revetment at the Jaro Floodway (Left Bank), which was suspended as of July 29, 2025, due to force majeure.

Another is the PHP144-million Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure and Promenade along the Batiano River, Section 1, suspended since March 19, 2025, due to inaccessibility.

The company also handles the PHP96-million Construction of the Flood Control Structure along the Batiano River, Section 2, which remains suspended for the same reason.

Local gov’t coordination urged

Treñas-Chu reiterated her call for the ICDEO to coordinate with the city government before starting flood control projects.

“Ever since, the city government advised ICDEO that, before the project begins, proper coordination with our local government is essential, and all necessary permits should be obtained,” she said.

She also urged stopping unnecessary flood control projects that do not address flooding effectively.

“Let us focus on using government funds for projects that will benefit every Ilonggo family and not deprive the majority,” she said.

Senator Bam Aquino expressed support for Treñas-Chu and other local leaders in calling for transparency and accountability in flood control contracts.

“I stand with our local leaders in demanding full transparency and proper accountability for these flood control projects, which are funded by the people’s money,” Aquino said.

Aquino earlier filed Senate Resolution No. 28, seeking an inquiry into the allocation and effectiveness of PHP360 billion in flood control funds under the 2025 budget.

He noted that despite PHP1.47 trillion spent on flood control from 2009 to 2024, flooding persists nationwide due to outdated infrastructure, poor coordination, and alleged inefficiencies.

He warned that flooding threatens public safety and hampers local economies through business closures, property damage, and income loss.

“There is a need to review the flood control strategies being implemented by the DPWH and other concerned agencies to be more cost-effective, suitable, innovative, and efficient to address the worsening conditions during the typhoon season in the Philippines,” Aquino said.