TAGBILARAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has a lot of explaining about the questioned flood control projects in Bohol, including the Php2.9 billion flood control in Loboc town, where the river cruising for tourists is located.
This surfaced after the Philippine Anti-corruption Czar (PACC) questioned the Loboc flood control project for environmental concerns.
In its facebook post, PACC chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza said, “Why did DPWH proceed with construction without first securing the ECC and clearances that are required by law?”
DPWH regional office explained that the Loboc flood control cost the government a total of Php2.9 billion from 2021-2025. This fund intended for 17 projects thru contracts. There are already five projects completed during the 2021-2022 implemented by DPWH district engineers’ office. Eight of the 19 projects are on-going.
Four out of nine projects to be implemented in 2023 by the agency were suspended for lack of documents as the area where the projects are located within the protected area. Another three projects for 2024 are being implemented by the agency.
In 2021-2022 from General Appropriations Act (GAA) five projects cost a total of Php240,946,000.00; four projects, Php131 million; and three projects, Php750 million from the respective GAA.
But the memorandum dated September 25, 2025 addressed regional director Danilo Villa, Jr. from government project Engineer Jocelyn Z. Paylado did not mention who are the contractors of the projects.
DPWH said that it has already secured the approval of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Bohol on August 4, 2025. After completing the necessary documents, it then applied for Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) on August 23, 2025. The agency hopes that the ECC be approved by the end of this month or early next month.
Ceniza said that it appears that the root of controversy lies in planning and design division of the DPWH, which failed to consider the said project site is within the protected area.
PACC suggested the following to restore accountability and safeguard public funds: Full Technical and Environmental Audit of the Loboc River Flood Control Project; National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Probe into potential anomalies; Transparency Measures – Immediate publication of all project contracts, scope of work, implementing contractors, and project timelines.; Commission on Audit (COA) Special Audit into all Bohol flood control projects from 2022–2025, covering ₱3.4 billion worth of contracts.
It also recommended to filing of administrative and criminal charges against erring officials and contractors; and freezing of assets and bank accounts of individuals implicated. (Ric Obedencio)
