Bacolod: The Council of Concerned Citizens (C-3), a newly-formed anti-corruption group here, aims to secure the records of all flood control projects in this highly urbanized city since 2017 as part of its independent investigative mission for full accountability on public infrastructure spending. This is part of the group’s next move after conducting an on-site inspection of four completed flood control structures on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the C-3 is requesting documents from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) related to contracts, programs of work, and bills of quantities for flood control projects over the last nine years. Lawyer Cesar Beloria Jr., a C-3 convenor, expressed hope that the DPWH would promptly provide the requested documents, following a radio interview on Tuesday.
The DPWH records indicate that Bacolod City was allocated PHP4.283 billion from 2017 to 2025 for 138 flood control projects, which are at various stages of implementation. The initial site inspection included 24 C-3 inspectorate members, joined by representatives from the DPWH, City Mayor’s Office, and Office of the Lone District of Bacolod.
Inspections were conducted on the PHP96.5 million Lupit River Phase 7 flood control structure and the Loygoy River Phase 1 revetment with floodwall, valued at PHP91.6 million. Two other projects, the Ngalan River revetment and the Bakyas Creek revetment, each costing PHP96.5 million, were also inspected. These projects were undertaken by different construction firms.
The C-3’s initial findings, signed by lead convenor Fr. Aniceto Buenafe, confirmed the existence and completion status of the inspected projects as of 2024. However, questions remain regarding design integrity, bidding processes, contractor accountability, and the necessity of certain flood control structures.
At the Loygoy River, rehabilitations were noted, raising concerns about the project’s necessity given the site’s topography. The C-3 suggested reforestation as a more sustainable alternative. Similarly, the Lupit River’s revetment concrete mix was deemed unsustainable for the wall’s height, prompting recommendations for a more appropriate retaining wall design.
DPWH records also reveal an ongoing Phase 7 project worth PHP144 million, supposedly completed in December 2024, alongside other costly projects. The inter-phasing of these projects requires further scrutiny, according to the C-3.
The group also identified the need for further technical assessments at the Bakyas Creek and Ngalan River sites, questioning the necessity of flood control structures there due to their natural topography. Moving forward, the C-3 plans to conduct additional site inspections and publish evidence-based reports to ensure transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending.