Iloilo board to probe PHP100-M Alimodian project December 9

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Sangguniang Panlalawigan will launch an investigation on Dec. 9 into the PHP 100 million road slope protection project in Barangay Manasa, Alimodian, over concerns that it may be among those allegedly inserted into the 2025 national budget.

The project, listed as Site 3, was implemented by M.S. Ramos Construction Inc. through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office (DEO). It is one of several Iloilo projects linked to the alleged PHP 100 billion in “insertions” exposed by resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co during the bicameral budget deliberations.

The inquiry follows a Nov. 25 privilege speech by 2nd District Board Member June Mondejar.

The matter was initially referred to Mondejar’s Committee on Public Order and Safety but was later reassigned to the Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by 4th District Board Member Rolando Distura.

“Our target is to check on the ground what the actual situation is — if the project exists, and if it does, we will ask how and if they can justify it. Based on the findings, we will issue our recommendations,” Distura said in an interview following the Dec. 2 regular session.

The probe will seek to verify the project’s existence and status, evaluate the justification for selecting Barangay Manasa, and determine whether congressional insertion was involved in the fund allocation.

The committee plans to summon representatives from the Commission on Audit, the Alimodian municipal government, the municipal engineer, the contractor, Barangay Manasa officials, and DPWH Iloilo 4th DEO personnel.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan sent a follow-up request to three other DPWH district engineering offices in the province, asking for complete documentation on their flood control projects from 2022 to 2025.

These documents are part of a broader review amid concerns over alleged irregularities in national flood control programs.