Dizon orders blacklisting of firms linked to stalled flyover
- Bicolmail Web Admin
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Rhaydz B. Barcia
DARAGA, Albay --- Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Sunday said construction firms Sunwest, Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction have been blacklisted, resulting in the termination of their government projects nationwide, as he inspected the long-stalled flyover project in Barangay Malabog, Daraga town.
Dizon said several projects in Albay province were left unfinished following issues linked to flood control projects, including the 700-meter viaduct along the Maharlika Highway, which was implemented by Hi-Tone Construction and later by Alpha & Omega General Contractor.
The DPWH chief inspected the site together with Regional Development Council Chairman and Albay Governor Noel Ebriega Rosal, and newly installed DPWH Bicol Director Engr. Khadaffy D. Tanggol.
During the inspection, Dizon expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay of the project, which began in 2021 and remains incomplete.
He criticized the “phase-by-phase” approach to construction, saying it contributed to the project’s delay.
“Ang mentalidad niyo Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3… kaya wala kayong natatapos,” Dizon said.
Asked about the firms involved, Dizon said Hi-Tone Construction and Alpha & Omega General Contractor implemented the project at different stages. He said their contracts have since been terminated following issues raised over flood control projects.
Governor Rosal said the flyover has been controversial due to the absence of clear studies, lack of consultation with affected residents, and questions surrounding its intended use.
“The flyover is far from Bicol International Airport. We don’t know the purpose of this project which has been stalled for years,” Rosal said.
The unfinished structure has been dubbed the “Albay Stonehenge” by residents and online content creators. The project consists of four piers, seven girders, and one abutment.
Citizen watchdog group Bantay Project Albay said the Malabog flyover has become a symbol of alleged waste of public funds, citing delays and incomplete implementation.
Based on its review of DPWH transparency portals, the group said Phase 1 of the project started in 2021 with a contract cost of P44.66 million, while Phase 2, approved in 2022 at P40.23 million, was later terminated.
Two additional contracts awarded in 2024 brought the total project cost to P242.74 million, excluding the terminated 2022 project, the group added.
Bantay Project Albay cited right-of-way issues, lack of stakeholder consultation, and questions on project inclusion in local development plans as among the factors contributing to the delay.
The group said it remains unclear whether the project will be completed or discontinued, and whether a flyover was the most appropriate infrastructure solution for the area.
