Irregularities in Davao flood projects flagged

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio revealed yesterday serious irregularities in flood control projects implemented along the Davao and Matina Rivers between 2019 and 2022.

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Tinio's analysis, conducted with his team using data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and budget documents, focused on a partial dataset of 121 flood control contracts worth a total of P6.06 billion. Of these, 80 contracts valued at P4.35 billion show significant red flags.

"Our investigation reveals a troubling pattern of irregularities that demands immediate explanation and accountability," Tinio said in a statement. "These include signs of ghost projects, double funding, changes in project locations, gross overpricing, and contracts awarded without clear specifications," he said.

Tinio noted that 79 of the 121 flood control projects, worth P4.07 billion, were congressional insertions that were not included in the original National Expenditure Program (NEP). These projects were implemented in Davao City's 1st Legislative District, which is represented by Cong. Paolo Duterte.

The investigation identified five major categories of red flags in the flood control contracts: