‘IT’S EMBARRASSING’: Senator Calls for Accountability in DPWH’s Inefficient Projects

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Sen. Joel Villanueva criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for inefficiencies and lack of accountability in government infrastructure projects, including the controversial Ungka Flyover in Iloilo.

Villanueva said the Senate may also investigate the Ungka Flyover in its motu proprio probe on the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela.

“It’s embarrassing, these projects of the government,” Villanueva told reporters in Iloilo on Thursday, March 27.

He said he had asked DPWH to submit a report by April outlining its policies on the planning, bidding, construction, inspection and testing of public infrastructure before opening them to the public.

He cited several examples, including the Isabela bridge that opened without proper inspection and the Bohol bridge collapse that resulted in deaths.

He also mentioned the Pangil Bay Bridge in Mindanao, where the contractor paid for damages, contrasting it with the Isabela project where the government spent PHP390 million for retrofitting.

Villanueva criticized the use of taxpayer money to fund incomplete or failed projects.

“That’s taxpayers’ money,” he said.

“So why would you do that?”

“There was already retrofitting while the project is not finished yet, and the government will pay for it again.”

“I heard here in Iloilo, the government will pay for it again.”

He said public funds should not be wasted due to poor planning and execution.

He called for accountability among public officials, contractors and local government units.

“I don’t have any beef against anyone, but we have to make them accountable,” he said.

“Everyone must be accountable.”

Ungka Flyover Fiasco

The Ungka Flyover in Iloilo, a PHP680-million infrastructure project, has faced major setbacks since construction began in January 2020.

The four-lane, 453.7-meter-long flyover was built to ease traffic at the intersection of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue and President Corazon Aquino Avenue in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia.

It was opened to traffic in September 2022.

Two weeks later, the flyover was closed due to vertical displacement or sinking of its piers, raising concerns over its structural integrity and safety.

To address the issue, DPWH-6, with the help of third-party consultant Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants, launched jet grouting to reinforce the flyover’s 16 piers and abutments.

In September 2023, it partially reopened to reduce traffic congestion despite ongoing repairs.

On Dec. 23, 2025, the flyover was reopened for full capacity use.

With construction and rectification, the project’s total cost rose to over PHP980 million.

DPWH-6 has said it will not assign blame for the flyover’s failure, choosing instead to focus on ensuring its usability.

Push for Investigation

Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano filed House Resolution 2257 urging DPWH to conduct a full inspection and audit of national infrastructure projects.

The Ungka Flyover is among the eight projects recommended for investigation.

Other projects include the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, the Magapi Bridge in Batangas and the Loay-Clarin Bridge in Bohol.

Valeriano said these infrastructure failures pose public safety risks and represent a waste of government funds.

DPWH has three months to complete the audit and submit its findings and recommendations.