Pulong hits ‘substandard’ Ilocos flood projects

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has raised concerns over the condition of several flood-control structures in Ilocos Norte as he showed photos of damaged, eroded and allegedly substandard projects implemented in the home province of President Marcos.

“These are among flood-control projects reported to us by residents of Ilocos Norte,” Duterte said.

“These are located near (Baguio) Mayor (Benjamin) Magalong. With Congressman Sandro’s help, this should have been easier to address,” he added, referring to Marcos’ son, who represents Ilocos Norte.

The images, taken in nine locations, showed collapsed river defenses, weakened revetments, exposed foundations and unfinished construction.

Duterte said the damaged structures pose risks to nearby communities and road networks.

Among the projects that Duterte cited were those implemented in the towns of Adams, Bangui, Dumalneg, Pagudpud, Pasuquin and Sarrat as well as in Laoag City.

Duterte questioned why too much attention is being given to Mindanao, particularly in Davao City when projects in his districts are “completed and validated.”

“While finished projects in Davao are being scrutinized, failing structures in Ilocos Norte are left without the same urgency. Residents are worried. These communities deserve to be heard,” he said. 

Duterte said that residents who submitted the photos are worried about landslides in case heavy rain persists over these areas.      

He said engineers cited technical concerns including the lack of adequate toe protection, poor slope placement, rushed construction and visible signs of structural weakness in Ilocos projects.