P60-billion Cebu flood projects draw Ombudsman scrutiny

Daemien Arkin Batacan

Around ₱60 billion worth of flood control projects in Cebu are set to face an investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman following continued flooding in the province despite years of government spending on flood mitigation.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla visited Cebu on Monday, August 10, to inspect several flood control projects and determine whether issues in their design, construction, or implementation may have contributed to the province’s persistent flooding.

Remulla said the investigation will look into how the projects were carried out and whether the funds allocated for them were properly used. 

He questioned why flooding continues to affect communities despite the large amount of money spent on flood control.

Of the ₱60-billion allocation, about 25% went to Cebu’s 7th District, while another 25% was awarded to a single contractor, according to Remulla.

The Ombudsman will also scrutinize the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Visayas regional office as part of the investigation. However, Remulla did not name any individuals suspected of wrongdoing.

The investigation will also consider possible lifestyle checks involving several district engineers, as authorities look into whether there were irregularities connected to the implementation of the projects.

Remulla said the probe would not be limited to Cebu, as the Ombudsman also plans to examine the implementation and effectiveness of flood control projects in other flood-prone areas across the Visayas.

The investigation comes as Cebu continues to deal with flooding brought by heavy rains, raising questions about whether existing flood control measures are providing the protection they were intended to deliver.

Authorities have yet to determine whether the problems stem from project design, construction and execution, or possible corruption.