INFRA WINDFALL: Allencon, IBC emerge as top W. Visayas contractors in ‘2025 budget insertions’

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor 

Two Iloilo-based construction firms linked to the influential Tan family have emerged as the top contractors for infrastructure projects in Antique, Iloilo, and Guimaras, allegedly inserted into the proposed 2025 national budget.

Allencon Development Corp. and IBC International Builders Corp. secured multiple road and infrastructure contracts across the three Western Visayas provinces, according to a 20-page list released by former House appropriations chairperson Rep. Zaldy Co.

Co broke his silence amid allegations linking him to irregularities in flood control projects and budget insertions, claiming that the projects were included under the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The list details 12 projects covering road construction and improvement in the region.

In Antique, Allencon and IBC received the majority of the awards.

Records from the Securities and Exchange Commission reviewed by Daily Guardian show that the companies are owned by businessman Alfonso Tan.

Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. of Uswag Ilonggo Party-list — Tan’s nephew — previously served as Allencon’s president, according to a 2019 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) document.

Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr., Tan’s nephew, previously served as Allencon’s president, according to a 2019 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) document. A 2021 DPWH document listed Ang as an authorized managing officer, one year before his election to Congress.

A 2021 document already listed Ang as an authorized managing officer, a year before he was elected to Congress.

Co’s list indicates that Allencon was awarded three road maintenance contracts in Antique, totaling PHP 86 million.

These include two preventive maintenance and asphalt overlay projects along the Bantayan–San Pedro–Cubay Road in San Jose de Buenavista, and one along the Bugo–Gen. Fullon Road in San Remigio.

All contracts are under the DPWH Antique District Engineering Office.

IBC secured two separate contracts for projects along the same Bantayan–San Pedro–Cubay Road alignment.

One contract, worth PHP 128 million, is under the DPWH regional office, while the other, worth PHP 94 million, was awarded by the Antique District Engineering Office.

In Iloilo province, a PHP 96 million slope protection project in Barangay Manasa, Alimodian, was awarded to Bulacan-based M.S. Ramos Construction Inc.

Two other projects — the Iloilo East Coast–Capiz Road and the Iloilo–Capiz Road (New Route) — remain pending for bidding.

In Guimaras, Co’s list revealed four projects along various sections of the Guimaras Circumferential Road, all involving preventive maintenance and asphalt overlay.

The total cost of the Guimaras projects amounts to PHP 384 million.

One contract, worth PHP 96 million, was awarded to Iloilo City-based J.E. Tico Construction Co. Inc.

The remaining three contracts — each exceeding PHP 96 million — were awarded to IBC.