Iloilo city: The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) has passed a resolution requesting the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to inspect and investigate potential “anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of public funds in all flood control projects in the Lone District of Iloilo City.”

According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution was authored by Majority Floor Leader Rex Marcus Sarabia, who emphasized the need for oversight due to the worsening flood situation in Iloilo City. The resolution highlighted issues such as conflicting technical data, unresolved structural deficiencies, and persistent public discontent, calling for immediate action from the ICI.

The City Drainage Task Force identified several root causes of flooding, including a lack of coordination between national agencies and local government units (LGUs), poor maintenance and inadequate funding for drainage structures, proliferation of informal settlements along major river basins, and substandard or insufficient flood control works constructed under national programs.

The resolution expressed the City Council’s belief that an immediate inspection and comprehensive investigation by the ICI will not only uncover possible anomalies and misuse of public funds but also lead to structural reforms and accountability for those found negligent in their duties.

In an interview, Sarabia expressed his intention to draw the ICI’s attention to the issues in Iloilo, urging the body to investigate and provide justice. He noted that the request includes both national and locally funded projects.

While the primary focus is on flood control, Sarabia mentioned that the ICI is not restricted from investigating other projects in Iloilo City. He highlighted the ICI’s authority to conduct investigations on their own initiative, even without formal complaints being filed.