A deputy minority leader on Wednesday sounded the alarm over what he called serious irregularities in flood control projects carried out along the Davao and Matina Rivers from 2019 to 2022, saying these red flags should prompt a thorough investigation into all flood control and other public infrastructure projects in Davao City.
Based on Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers’ review of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) data and budget records, 80 out of 121 flood control contracts-amounting to P4.35 billion out of a total P6.06 billion-show ‘significant red flags.’
‘Our analysis reveals a pattern of irregularities that demands explanation and accountability,’ said Tinio. ‘There are indicators that point to ghost projects, double funding, location changes, gross overpricing, and contracts awarded without clear specifications.’
He said of the 121 projects examined, 79 contracts worth P4.07 billion were identified as congressional insertions not included in the National Expenditure Program. These were implemented in the 1st District of Davao City, represented by Rep. Paolo Duterte.
Tinio flagged five major irregularities in the projects. First, there were instances of total overlap, where two contracts amounting to P135.14 million funded construction along the same river segment in back-to-back years. Second, double funding occurred when two different contractors were paid a combined P115.09 million for work on the same project site.
Third, he said some projects were built in different locations or delivered less work than approved, including nine contracts worth P484.04 million where outputs were reduced-such as one revetment project that was funded for 375 meters but delivered only 120 meters while charging double the cost per meter.
Fourth, the lawmaker added 62 contracts totaling P3.44 billion were awarded without clear project specifications, lacking even basic details like exact location or length. Lastly, ten contracts worth P622.57 million were classified as unbudgeted, with no corresponding line item in the General Appropriations Act.
In the Davao River alone, Tinio said 54 of 68 projects worth P2.65 billion were flagged; for the Matina River, 26 of 28 projects worth P1.70 billion showed similar issues.
Tinio said among contractors repeatedly appearing across the flagged projects were RELY Construction and Supply Inc., Legacy Construction Corporation, Abu Construction, St. Timothy Construction, Alpha and Omega Construction, and Alfrego Builders-owned by the half-brother of Sen. Bong Go, in joint venture with RELY. GENESIS88, whose owner was a campaign donor to Vice President Sara Duterte in 2022, was also identified.
Tinio said the findings warrant a full inquiry into flood control and other infrastructure projects in Davao City. He is set to file a resolution calling for a congressional investigation and urged the Commission on Audit (COA), the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), and the Office of the Ombudsman to launch their own probes.
‘This is about ensuring that every peso of public funds meant to protect our communities from flooding actually serves that purpose,’ Tinio said. ‘Transparency and accountability must apply equally, whether in Bulacan, Davao, or anywhere else in our country.’