Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon on Tuesday revealed several “problematic” flood control projects in Davao City and Davao Occidental, some of which, he said, remain mere signages years after their supposed implementation.
Ridon, who chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts, said at least two flood control projects that were slated to start in February have shown no signs of construction.
“Meron po mga nakita yung DPWH sa Davao Occidental that what are deemed as no structure projects. This might be akin to what we typically know as ‘ghost’ projects,” he said.
He cited multiple incomplete flood mitigation projects in Davao City dating back to 2021, including the Maa Creek flood control project along Don Julian Rodriguez Avenue, which began in March 2022.
“From the report that we had gotten, panay signage pa lang po yung nakalagay doon,” Ridon said, adding that DPWH reports themselves indicated the lack of progress.
He also pointed to unfinished structures along Davao River in Barangay 8-A, Purok 16, Block 2 in Catalunan Pequeño, and the sea wall in Barangay Governor Vicente Duterte, Agdao District, all of which were reportedly stuck at the signage stage.
“We would want to know from the Davao City District Engineering Office if it is indeed still a billboard or whether or not it has already proceeded towards actual construction,” he said.
Ridon said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) would receive all gathered materials once document vetting is complete.