An opposition lawmaker is calling for a congressional probe into the flood control projects of Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte’s district after allegedly finding that 80 out of 121 were either ghost, overpriced, or redundant.

Citing findings by his office, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tino claimed that the flood control projects in question, along the Davao and Matina Rivers, cover the years 2019 to 2022, with an aggregate cost of P4.35 billion. 

"Our analysis reveals a pattern of irregularities that demands explanation and accountability," Tinio said. "There are indicators that point to ghost projects, double funding, location changes, gross overpricing, and contracts awarded without clear specifications."

Of the 121 contracts, with a total value of P6.06 billion, 79 were identified as congressional insertions totalling P4.07 billion, according to the solon.

Among the glaring examples was the awarding of 62 contracts totalling P3.43 billion allegedly without proper details. 

Based on Tinio’s presentation, two of these flood control projects were undertaken by the Discaya-owned firms, St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp., amounting to P96.50 million and P90.48 million, respectively.

Of the firms that got the contract, one was allegedly tied to Senator Bong Go, while the other is purportedly a campaign donor of Vice President Sara Duterte in 2022. 

Daily Tribune has reached out to Duterte’s office for comment, but no response has been received as of press time. 

Overlapping, double funding

Tinio said two contracts worth P135.14 million were both allocated for the construction of identical sections of the Davao River—the first in 2019 and the second in 2020, with just minor extensions.

Two additional contracts, each with a price tag of P115.09 million, were also awarded to different contractors for the same project (revetment along the Davao River at the Davao River Bridge upstream section), indicating double funding.

Furthermore, Tinio claimed that nine contracts costing P484.04 million were carried out in locations not approved in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), often with significantly reduced coverage.

He also flagged P622.57 million worth of 10 contracts that were allegedly implemented despite having no corresponding line items in the GAA. 

Tinio asserted that these flood control projects exhibit “red flags” and warrant a comprehensive investigation not just by the House, but also the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. A resolution is expected to be filed

Earlier, Rep. Duterte confirmed that he received P51 billion worth of infrastructure projects, including flood control, during the last three years of his father's, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s, term in office.

But he maintained that these projects are legitimate and currently serving his constituents.