Sarabia sees no strong grounds for ICI probe on waiting shed, overpass but…

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia downplayed the need to investigate the waiting shed and overpass projects, saying the controversy lacks “compelling reasons” compared to the alleged ghost flood control projects in the city.

Last week, the City Council approved a resolution urging the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate possible anomalies in all flood control projects in Iloilo City.

Sarabia said that since the city government has not released any payment to the contractors of the two projects, residents have not sustained any “injury” from them.

“The waiting shed has an existing structure but the contractor has not been fully paid. There is a night and day difference in the level of compelling reasons for an investigation,” he argued.

“There are extremely compelling reasons for an investigation on the flood control,” he added.

While he believes that an ICI probe into the two city-funded projects is not compelling, Sarabia said it will still be up to the commission to decide whether to proceed.

“The floodgates are open. There is nothing stopping the ICI from investigating. If it includes the waiting shed and the overpass, so be it,” he said.

The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) earlier said that the cost of the waiting shed in Barangay Katilingban, Molo, was revised and reduced from its original contract amount of PHP 798,525.47 to PHP 586,653.37 after evaluation.

This represents a 26.5% decrease from its original cost, or a reduction of PHP 211,872.10.

The CEO also noted that the cost of the pedestrian overpass along Diversion Road may be reduced from PHP 4.1 million to PHP 2.8 million.

Sarabia said cost revisions are not unusual for local governments, noting that such adjustments are allowed under existing laws.

“If there is reduction, well and good […] It is an unusual practice but it is not outside the realm of law. There are measures on how to reevaluate and reassess government expenditures,” he emphasized.

He welcomed the move to lower project costs, saying it reflects continuing dialogue between the public and the city government.

Sarabia, however, questioned the focus on the recent budget cuts, pointing out that many other projects have experienced similar adjustments.

He noted that in some cases, projects are already funded but later found to be impracticable to implement.

“That’s even a hundred percent slash in its budget but we fail to recognize those things. It happens all the time that there is reduction in the cost despite the appropriation, one of which is through bidding,” he said.

The councilor also believes that public pressure surrounding the waiting shed and overpass projects is only “incidental.”

Sarabia, who chairs the Committee on Appropriations, assured the public that deliberations for the 2026 proposed budget will be made public.

“As much as possible, my committee will ensure that there is equitable distribution of funds and there is enough basis and good intention,” he said.