Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon has called attention to the massive ₱51-billion allocation for flood control projects in Davao City over three consecutive years, raising questions about why widespread flooding still plagues the city despite the substantial funding.
Speaking in an interview on DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan, Ridon pointed out that the issue falls squarely within the mandate of the newly created Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), which covers projects from 2015 to 2025.
“At syempre nalantad din yong 51 billion ni Cong. Paolo Duterte na lalo’t higit halos linggo-linggo yong pagbaha sa Davao City, ang tinatanong ng mga kababayan natin nasaan napunta… malaking bahagi ng 51 billion na ito for 3 consecutive years ay napunta sa flood control, eh bakit napaka-tindi pa rin ng pagbaha sa Davao City,” he said.
Ridon clarified, however, that shifting the spotlight from Bulacan to Davao should not be seen as targeting the Duterte family.
“Hindi naman po, in fact si Cong. Duterte naman yong nagsabi na bukas sya at talagang pinaninidigan niya na wala ngang ghost project and substandardness. Sya nagchallenge sa committee na dapat puntahan nyo yan para malaman nyo kung meron talagang ghost projects o wala,” he explained.
According to Ridon, the bigger issue lies in the disproportionate allocation of funds. He stressed that Congress needs to examine whether it was justified to concentrate such a large amount of money in a single district.
“Ang kailangan pagusapan ng kongreso dyan ay tama ba na sobrang laking kaperahan ay nilalagak sa iisang distrito…” he said.
The lawmaker also underscored that there are no specific accusations against officials in Davao City at this stage. Instead, the focus is on ensuring accountability and transparency.
“Wala namang accusations on anyone particularly in Davao City… we are just reacting to his statement na bukas sya na silipin po ang lahat ng mga flood control projects na inilagak sa kanilang lungsod over the course of the years,” Ridon added.
The remarks come as the ICI begins its work of probing infrastructure projects across the country, with Davao now emerging as a potential focal point alongside Bulacan and Benguet.
