Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has called for a suspension and thorough evaluation of all ongoing flood control initiatives in the city, amidst controversies surrounding companies associated with the Discaya family and concerns regarding their design and execution.
Treñas made this announcement after uncovering irregularities in a flood mitigation project located in Barangay Mohon, Arevalo, where plant boxes were placed in the center of bike lanes.
The mayor stated that the project description does not align with what is currently being constructed, leading her to mandate a review of all flood control projects managed by firms linked to the Discaya family.
At present, five flood control projects are under construction in the city by three of the nine firms owned by the Discaya family, which include St. Timothy Construction Corporation, Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development Corporation, and YPR General Contractor and Construction Supply, Inc.
Treñas indicated that some of these projects may have exacerbated the situation due to poor design.
“Some of the projects are the primary reasons why flooding occurs here. Previously, before these projects were implemented, they constructed waterways and then added flood protection, but also included bike lanes or access roads,” she elaborated.
The mayor also instructed a review to determine whether the firms owned by the Discaya family possess valid mayor’s and business permits.
In his visit to Iloilo City, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. criticized the delays and poor implementation of flood control projects following his inspection of two flood mitigation projects in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro district.
“During my visit to Iloilo, we saw delayed and botched flood control projects that are further worsening flooding,” Mr. Marcos said
Treñas previously called for accountability from Iloilo Lone District Representative Jamjam Baronda, highlighting the damage inflicted by her infrastructure initiatives, particularly the contentious Mohon project.
The two officials exchanged criticisms, each insisting on transparency from the other regarding the infrastructure projects carried out in the city.
Treñas insisted that Baronda and the DPWH-6 provide a comprehensive list of all projects executed in Iloilo City from 2019 to the current date.
The city mayor stated that Baronda should be held accountable for identifying and reporting on every project undertaken by the Iloilo City District Engineering Office.
In response, Baronda asserted that she has consistently championed transparency and accountability, but contended that the DPWH is responsible for maintaining the official records of projects within the district.
She subsequently challenged Treñas to disclose all records of projects, including mayoral permits, that were implemented during her father’s extensive tenure as both congressman and city mayor.
