DPWH-7 defends Liloan flood control project

Local

AMID speculations over the involvement of a controversial contractor, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Central Visayas (DPWH-7) confirmed that the flood control project along the Cotcot River in Liloan town, northern Cebu has already been completed.

The DPWH-7 said on Friday, September 5, that the Construction of Flood Mitigating Structure – Revetment Type was finished on March 10, 2025.

The project was carried out by the joint venture of Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp., owned by Sarah Discaya, and MC Geometric Proportions, Inc., under a revised contract amount of P149.5 million.

The completed structure covers 476.781 linear meters along the left bank facing upstream of the Cotcot River.

According to the agency, the revetment is intended to strengthen river defenses and drainage systems to protect nearby communities from flooding.

The agency emphasized its commitment to good governance, saying it “remains steadfast in upholding transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the implementation of government infrastructure programs.”

Discaya, whose companies are under Senate scrutiny, has been accused of manipulating DPWH bidding by allowing her firms to compete against one another.

Records presented during the inquiry showed her companies cornered at least 400 projects worth P30 billion between 2022 and 2025.

The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board later revoked the licenses of nine firms linked to her.

Documents for the Liloan project detailed allocations for excavation, embankment, rubble concrete, structural concrete, and more than P72 million worth of structural steel sheet piles.

The scope also included tree removal, seedling planting, mobilization costs, and a P727,320 occupational safety and health program.

The media sought comment from Cebu Fifth District Rep. Vincent “Duke” Frasco, whose district includes Liloan, on the project’s implementation. He has not yet responded as of press time.

Meanwhile, Frasco announced he is offering P500,000 for credible information on irregularities in DPWH flood control projects within his district.

He also directed the DPWH 7 to review all ongoing and completed projects, stressing that he will not tolerate substandard work or irregularities.(MyTVCebu)