In Bauang, La Union, residents are growing anxious as a flood protection project meant to safeguard their barangay remains unfinished — which they claim is due to a lack of funds. With heavy rains threatening every rainy season, the incomplete structure has left many feeling exposed and unsafe.
“Walang iniwang job order eh. Nagpaalam lang sila na itutuloy yung riprap project,” said Dentor Caborloc, barangay kagawad of Badbag, Bauang.
RELATED: [Flood Control Corruption Causes P100-B Loss To PH Economy]
Barangay officials also reported that they never saw any Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) representatives on site while the project was underway. The local government of Bauang has declined to issue a statement on the matter.
At the same time, 2nd District Representative Dante S. Garcia is facing a graft complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman. Progressive Youth of La Union alleges that Garcia used “dummy contractors” to corner hundreds of millions of pesos worth of government projects. The complaint cites possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and the Code of Conduct for Public Officials (RA 6713).
Among the questioned projects are:
1. Flood control works in Barangay Liquicia, Caba — P48.9 million
2. Flood control works in Barangay San Fermin, Caba — P48.9 million
3. Slope protection along Naguilian-Caba Road — P241.2 million
According to the complaint, these projects allegedly bypassed proper bidding procedures and were effectively pre-awarded to favored contractors or Garcia’s own firm.
RELATED: [Beyond Contractors: Who Really Benefits from Ghost Flood Control Projects?]
Senator Panfilo Lacson had earlier flagged an allocation of P1.6 billion for flood control in La Union in the 2024 budget that was not included in the National Expenditure Program. Of this amount, P627 million worth of contracts reportedly went to a single contractor.
As of this writing, Rep. Garcia’s office has not responded to requests for comment on either the Bauang project or the graft complaint.
For Bauang residents watching their own flood protection remain incomplete, the graft allegations raise a troubling question: Are funds for critical infrastructure truly reaching the communities that need them? And who will be held accountable if they don’t?
