Tulfo decries unfinished Iloilo flyover project

MANILA, Philippines — A poorly constructed flyover in Pavia, Iloilo has been causing inconvenience to motorists, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

The construction of the Aganan Flyover, which has a total budget of P802 million, started in July 2020 and was supposed to be completed within two years.

Tulfo, chairman of the Senate committee on public services, said several local government units brought the matter to his attention.

During a Senate committee hearing on Thursday, Tulfo also bared failed projects of the Philippine Ports Authority at the Zamboanga passenger terminal as well as of the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) in General Santos City.

Tulfo said the soil testing for the Aganan Flyover was awarded to the United Technology Consolidated Partnership.

The UTCP was the company that  designed and entered into a joint venture for the construction of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, which collapsed in February.

Lara Esquibil, officer in-charge of the DPWH’s Bureau of Design, said that UTCP’s assessment for the depth of the foundation of the Aganan Flyover was erroneous and disapproved by the agency.

Because of UTCP’s inaction, the project completion continued to be delayed and has been causing traffic in the area.

Tulfo said that of the P802 million total contract price, only P308 million remained in the budget for the Aganan Flyover.

He said an additional P275 million to P300 million may still be needed for revisions on the project.

Esquibil agreed with Tulfo’s observations, saying that possible revisions are needed due to faulty soil testing and assessment.

Tulfo suggested that a thorough background check on contractors and consultancy firms must be conducted prior to the awarding of the contract, to determine if they are capable of carrying out the project.

He recommended that the DPWH must liquidate damages incurred from the delay of the Aganan Flyover and charge the amount to the UTCP.

Esquibil noted Tulfo’s recommendations and assured him that the DPWH would carry these out.

To ensure that Esquibil will act on his recommendations, Tulfo required her to submit a comprehensive investigation and status report during the next committee  hearing.