Cebu floods expose P26-B wasted projects

Days ago, as Typhoon Tino ripped through the country, we were shocked to see another nightmare unfold in Cebu — roads turned into rivers and homes became islands surrounded by floodwaters.

- IRIS GONZALES

All this while P26 billion was supposedly spent on flood control projects in the province.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon should take a look at this and investigate the DPWH officials in charge of Cebu, led by DPWH regional director for Central Visayas Danilo “Danny” Villa Jr.

Wasn’t he among those on the list of DPWH officials whom Dizon, in September, flagged for lavish lifestyles?

This is worth looking into for sure, especially in light of the recent floods.

As seen in the dispatches from Cebu, cities and towns were in total mayhem. Nature's wrath spilled across Metro Cebu, devastating a province still reeling from a deadly magnitude 6.9 earthquake just a month ago.

Homes and vehicles were covered in flash floods, murky and muddy. Riverside homes in sprawling subdivisions were flooded.

All types of vehicles including sedans, vans and SUVs floated away, others piled on top of each other, submerged in deep floodwaters.

In many places, residents took refuge on the second or higher floors of their homes or on rooftops.

In Talisay alone, some subdivisions, including those near the mouth of the river, were badly affected. Most of these residential communities have not experienced such flooding before, according to a dzMM report, quoting local officials.

What a tragedy to see yet another concrete example of how stealing money meant for flood control projects can kill people, destroy homes and wash away dreams.