Solon flags ‘ghost’ and substandard flood control works in Davao region

House Infrastructure Committee chairperson and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon has urged the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate 18 flood control projects in Davao Occidental and Davao City.

“In the last two weeks, our team has been coordinating with several DPWH officials and staff to look further into the Davao Region, particularly in Davao City and Davao Occidental,” Ridon said.

The lawmaker cited DPWH records showing that the 18 projects fall under four classifications: “no structure” (2 projects), “incomplete” (10 projects), “poorly situated” (3 projects), and “unconstructed” (3 projects).

“So far, two important issues have emerged: ghost projects and substandard projects. The DPWH, however, has more detailed distinctions between projects,” Ridon explained.

According to Ridon, many of the projects date back to 2021 to 2023 but remain unfinished or poorly implemented.

“These should have been long finished. We want to give the District Engineering Office the benefit of the doubt but these issues need to be addressed,” he emphasized.

He added that the “poorly situated” projects are particularly concerning, noting that they do not benefit communities and may even worsen flooding.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has begun deliberations on a proposed measure creating an Independent Commission to Investigate Corruption in Flood Control and Infrastructure Projects.

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Representative Leila de Lima underscored the urgency of accountability, citing the deadly floods brought by Typhoons Tino and Uwan.

“We are facing the biggest corruption scandal in the history of our country. We are in a moral crisis, one that is literally costing lives,” De Lima said.

“The grave effect of the two typhoons, Typhoon Tino and Uwan, the people are asking. Where did the billions in flood control funds go? The answer points to one truth — corruption kills. It kills through neglect, incompetence and greed,” she added.