Landowners slam unpaid DPWH obligations in Aganan flyover

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By Juliane Judilla

Landowners of several parcels of land used for the Aganan Flyover in Barangay Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo, are raising concerns over unpaid obligations from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), years after the parties had finalized the sale.

A large tarpaulin now hangs beneath the halted construction site of the flyover with the message, “DPWH/IBC CONTRACTORS UNPAID CLAIM LOTS!! Private Property. No Trespassing!” The sign, reportedly hung on Wednesday evening, Dec. 3, serves as a public reminder of the landowners’ long-standing grievance.

A representative of the Jamotillo family, one of the affected landowners, said in a radio interview that it has been “too long” since they completed all required documents and agreements, yet DPWH has not released the promised payment.

“Ma three years na, ang iban nga mga katigulangan nagkalamatay na, pero wala man gyapon may natabo,” said the family representative, who requested anonymity.

According to the family, they sold two lots totaling approximately 1,142 square meters, valued at PHP 1,983,115. They said the sale was processed three years ago, but they have yet to receive payment.

The representative said the family made numerous follow-ups with DPWH but continued to receive the same explanation that the budget was still being processed in the national office.

On Sept. 18, after consecutive exposés on corruption anomalies, progressive groups staged a picket protest under the flyover. The demonstrators called for an investigation into the project’s prolonged delays and unresolved issues, including the unpaid land claims.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, has since launched a Senate inquiry into the controversial flyover project, which began construction in 2019.

The Aganan Flyover has faced repeated setbacks due to soil instability and design flaws. DPWH initiated rectification measures to address these issues, but as of 2025, construction remains incomplete.

Progress on the project has been effectively halted until the structural corrections are resolved.

The project’s total estimated cost has increased to PHP 1.012 billion. This far exceeds the original budget and has intensified public concerns over transparency, project management, and accountability.