ILOILO CITY — Three Iloilo mayors joined a nationwide call for full transparency and accountability in the government’s ₱350-billion flood control projects, amid allegations of widespread corruption that put billions in taxpayer funds at risk.
Mayors Ian Kenneth Alfeche of Alimodian, Nielo Tupas of Barotac Viejo, and Jon Aying of Sara formally aligned with the Mayors for Good Governance coalition—a bloc of over 40 local leaders led by Benjie Magalong of Baguio City, Vico Sotto of Pasig City, Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, and Sitti Hataman of Isabela, Basilan.
The coalition is pressing the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to publicly release all project details—including contractors, politicians involved, and technical documentation such as bills of quantities, unit price analyses, and feasibility studies.
“These projects have existed for too long, and the corruption surrounding them is both pervasive and systematic,” the manifesto declared. “Those who have stolen public funds must face the full force of the law.”
Iloilo mayors emphasized that transparency is a duty, not an option, insisting that disclosing the names of contractors and public officials is crucial to ensure flood control projects protect communities rather than enrich the corrupt.
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas confirmed her support, pledging to formally join the coalition once the official anti-corruption document reaches her office.
“Our collective stand for good governance and accountability is unwavering. We will never relent in our fight against any form of corruption,” Treñas said, highlighting the critical role of local governments in safeguarding citizens’ lives and public resources.
The Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) of Iloilo City also endorsed the manifesto, calling for investigations into the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) and backing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to blacklist contractors involved in anomalous projects.
“We call for the immediate investigation of public officials and private entities responsible for these projects,” the ABC manifesto read.
Similar statements were issued by Sangguniang Kabataan leaders in Jaro, Mandurriao, La Paz, and Lapuz, urging the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, House of Representatives, and Commission on Audit to conduct thorough inquiries into companies such as St. Timothy Construction and Alpha and Omega Construction Company.
The coalition is demanding more than disclosure: they want full identification of responsible parties, access to programs of works, unit price breakdowns, and feasibility studies.
As the Mayors for Good Governance movement gains momentum nationwide, Iloilo leaders are positioning themselves as staunch defenders of integrity, insisting that multi-billion-peso flood control projects—protecting thousands of citizens—must be executed free from corruption, political interference, or negligence.
With public scrutiny mounting, the DPWH faces growing pressure to ensure full, accurate, and transparent reporting, potentially marking a turning point in the oversight of major infrastructure projects across the country.
