Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon has called on the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to open an investigation into the flood control projects in Cebu, following the massive flooding that devastated the province during Typhoon Tino.
In an interview on Wednesday, Ridon—who chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts—said the ICI must conduct an on-site inspection in Cebu and other affected areas to determine the efficiency of the flood mitigation systems.
“Para makita at masiyasat kung alin po ‘yung mga gumana, alin po ‘yung mga hindi gumana ng flood control projects sa mga lugar po na ito,” said Ridon.
He noted that QM Builders, one of the country’s top 15 contractors that obtained multiple flood control projects nationwide, is based in Cebu.
“I think ‘yung lahat ng kanyang mga proyekto sa probinsya ng Cebu ay dapat masiyasat ng buo,” he added.
Ridon emphasized that the ICI must uphold the same level of diligence and transparency in reviewing Cebu’s flood control works as it did during its earlier probe in Bulacan, where several irregularities were uncovered.
The lawmaker’s statement came amid growing public scrutiny over how ₱26 billion in flood control funds were utilized in Cebu, as many areas remained heavily inundated despite the massive budget allocation.