Marcos Wants Underperforming Contractors Blacklisted

After seeing for himself the delayed flood control projects in Iloilo, President Marcos ordered the blacklisting of contractors behind subpar projects and called on the public to support his administration's campaign against corruption.

- - Alexis Romero, Jose Rodel Clapano, Delon Porcalla, Rainier Allan Ronda

During his visit to the province last Wednesday, Marcos passed by the unfinished Aganan Flyover in Pavia town, whose construction started in 2019. Citing earlier reports, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the project had design and foundation issues and had to be fixed through jet grouting.

The funding for the jet grouting, which would be taken from the budget allocated for the completion of the flyover, remains insufficient, the agency said.

According to the PCO, the contractor for the project is IBC International Builders Corp., also the firm behind the Ungka Flyover in Iloilo City, which was temporarily closed because of structural issues. The delayed construction is causing traffic and inconvenience, the PCO added.

"During my visit in Iloilo, we saw the delayed and substandard flood control projects that aggravated flooding. I ordered the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) to hold to account and to blacklist the sloppy contractors," Marcos posted on Facebook.

The website, which contains detailed information about the country's flood control projects and allows citizens to report irregularities, has drawn 1,148 reports and 823 feedback as of Aug. 13.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos wants to ensure that flood control projects would be finished, not just on paper.