BICOL AMONG REGIONS REVIEWED: BBM orders probe into flood control projects

By Manuel T. Ugalde

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a review of government-funded flood control projects nationwide, following observations of incomplete or substandard works during a recent inspection in Bulacan.

The President expressed frustration over the state of some infrastructure projects, saying he is considering legal action against those found responsible for what he referred to as possible “economic sabotage.”

“The country has spent more than half a trillion pesos on flood control projects since 2022, and yet many areas, including Metro Manila, continue to experience severe flooding,” President Marcos said in a media interview.

Among the regions flagged for further review is Bicol, where three locally based construction firms—Centerways Construction Development Inc., Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation—were listed among the top recipients of flood control contracts.

These firms were reportedly included in the President’s list of 11 major contractors that secured significant government infrastructure projects.

According to data, the Bicol region received an estimated P49 billion in flood control funding since 2023. However, provinces such as Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon still experienced severe flooding during Typhoon Kristine in 2024, which disrupted transportation and supply chains for several days.

In response to public concerns, residents in Bicol have called for a broader investigation into infrastructure projects beyond flood control, citing issues with road quality in the region.

A previously published open letter by a civil engineer in Naga City highlighted instances of road deterioration occurring within a short period after project completion.

DPWH Bicol Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte clarified in a recent statement that the region is not officially designated as an investigation hotspot and maintained that no ghost projects have been recorded under his office. Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed the existence of irregularities in other regions, including Bulacan.

Ownership and management details of the mentioned firms have been publicly available through corporate disclosures and government records. Centerways Construction is registered under Lawrenz Lubiano of Sorsogon. Sunwest and Hi-Tone, both based in Legazpi City, were previously associated with individuals who have held public office. According to official Congressional records, any prior affiliations have since been divested.

Separately, internal discussions are reportedly taking place within the DPWH regional office in Bicol as part of ongoing compliance and monitoring procedures.

In Catanduanes, known administrative challenges have been observed, with multiple changes in district engineering leadership since 2022. Current district engineer Simon Arias has formally requested reassignment, citing personal and administrative considerations.

Senator Panfilo Lacson has also reiterated his longstanding position on promoting transparency in infrastructure spending, referencing earlier concerns over potential conflicts of interest in public works contracting.

He has consistently advocated for stricter oversight on public funds, particularly those allocated through congressional insertions.

As investigations proceed, President Marcos emphasized the need to ensure that all government infrastructure projects deliver value to the public, especially in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.