Iloilo board to probe PHP 100 million Alimodian project

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Board is set to investigate a PHP 100 million slope protection project in Alimodian after 2nd District Board Member June S. Mondejar questioned its inclusion in a list of infrastructure projects linked to alleged budget insertions in the proposed 2025 national appropriations.

In a privilege speech during the board’s Nov. 25 regular session, Mondejar raised concerns over three projects previously cited in resigned Rep. Zaldy Co’s disclosure of a PHP 100 billion “insertion” during the bicameral approval of the national budget.

The projects tagged under Iloilo include:
• Iloilo East Coast–Capiz Road (PHP 104 million)
• Iloilo–Capiz Road [New Route] (PHP 36.5 million)
• Construction of Road Slope Protection Structure, Barangay Manasa, Alimodian (PHP 100 million)

Mondejar noted that the first two road projects lacked essential details beyond their General Appropriations Act (GAA) allocations, including exact locations and technical specifications.

He also questioned the selection of Barangay Manasa – one of Alimodian’s upland “seven cities” bordering Barangay Bobon in Leon – as the site for the slope protection project.

“Why was Project 3 decided to be constructed in Barangay Manasa? I do not know,” Mondejar said.

He warned against “substantially defective” infrastructure projects, which he defined as those marred by kickbacks, poor specifications, or flawed structural design that could lead to early deterioration.

Citing the national controversy involving 421 alleged “ghost” flood-control projects, Mondejar called for greater scrutiny of government spending and oversight.

He added that when officials who are in a position to intervene choose not to act, their inaction allows irregularities to persist.

During the board’s discussion, 4th District Board Member Rolando Distura clarified that the two road projects were located in Capiz—not Iloilo.

With that clarification, Mondejar said the probe will focus solely on the Barangay Manasa slope protection project.

Project records show a contract amount of PHP 96,000,500, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, with M.S. Ramos Construction, Inc. as the contractor.

Mondejar emphasized the need to verify the project’s implementation status, structural integrity, and compliance with design standards.

“If there are substantially defective projects, those who are affected are also our constituents in this province,” he said.

In an interview after the session, he said he would convene a committee hearing once all relevant documents reach his office.

He plans to invite representatives from the implementing agency, the municipal government, Barangay Manasa officials, and district engineers.

The Provincial Board referred the matter to the Committee on Public Order and Security, chaired by Mondejar, as the lead committee, along with the Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Distura.