Iloilo City mayor says controversial overpass, waiting shed under review

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said the two infrastructure projects funded during her father’s administration are now under review amid public uproar over alleged overpricing and lack of transparency.

The projects in question are the ongoing PHP 4.1 million improvement of the pedestrian overpass along Diversion Road in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, and the completed waiting shed in Barangay Katilingban, Molo, which cost nearly PHP 800,000.

“They are being reviewed. I have not thoroughly looked into it yet because we haven’t had a meeting since the (Iloilo City Engineering Office) is still conducting its review,” she said on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.

When asked about the scope and nature of the review, she said, “I haven’t finalized anything yet because they will still present their findings to us.”

This was Treñas-Chu’s first public statement regarding the two projects.

She also confirmed that no new infrastructure project has been implemented since she assumed office in July.

The overpass improvement project was awarded to Stone Built Construction Services, with a contract duration of 120 days, or roughly four months.

The notice to proceed was issued on Aug. 11, 2025, with a target completion date of Dec. 8, 2025.

Funding for the project was approved by the City Council in August 2024.

Meanwhile, the waiting shed project, built by Abelarde Builders and Supply under the supervision of the City Engineering Office, has an actual cost of PHP 798,525.47 and was completed within 25 calendar days.

The project signage failed to include the project’s start and completion dates as well as its funding source.

The project signage, however, did not include the project’s start and completion dates or its funding source.

These details are required under Commission on Audit Circular No. 2013-004, which mandates the disclosure of essential information for public monitoring and accountability.