Davao flood control projects flagged

MANILA, Philippines — House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio yesterday revealed alleged irregularities in several flood control projects implemented in Davao City from 2019 to 2022.

According to an analysis conducted by Tinio and his team, of the partial dataset of 121 flood control projects worth P6.06 billion, 80 contracts worth P4.35 billion and implemented in Davao and Matina rivers showed serious red flags.

Tinio and his team based their findings on data sourced from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“Our analysis revealed a pattern of irregularities that demand explanation and accountability. There are indicators that point to ghost projects, double funding, location changes, gross overpricing and contracts awarded without clear specifications,” Tinio said in a statement.

He said investigation showed that of the 121 flood control projects, 79 worth P4.07 billion were congressional insertions or not included in the original National Expenditure Program.

The projects were reportedly implemented in the city’s first district, represented by Paolo Duterte.

Tinio said among those flagged were overlapping projects involving two contracts worth P135.14 million for identical river sections.

One of the projects was implemented in 2019 and covered a section of the Davao River, while a 2020 project covered the same section and additional areas.

The team also flagged double funding involving two contracts  worth P115.09 million in the same  project location and awarded to different contractors.

Tinio said his team found nine contracts worth P484 millon were implemented in areas other than the ones specified under the General Appropriations Act. He said that other contracts  were awarded even without details and not included in the GAA.

The team said that 54 of 68 projects worth P2.65 billion and implemented in Davao River were flagged.

For the Matina River, 26 of 28 projects worth P1.7 billion reportedly showed irregularities.

Tinio urged the Commission on Audit, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the Office of the Ombudsman to look into these projects.