The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), led by Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD, conducted an extensive ocular inspection of flood control, drainage, slope protection, and revetment projects covering rivers, creeks, and other critical waterways across Cagayan de Oro City to verify the actual status, coverage, and effectiveness of major flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure funded by public resources.

Inspection Team and Coordination

The inspection was undertaken in coordination with PACC’s Volunteer Technical Team of Civil Engineers and was joined by:

• Bishop Rod Cubos – PACC Spiritual Adviser
• Atty. Michael Florentino Dumlao – Board of Trustees
• MGen Romeo Calizo
• Dr. Allan Japor
• Pastor Richie Cubos

Reason for the Inspection

The inspection was initiated following numerous complaints from residents living along riverbanks, creeks, and low-lying communities in Cagayan de Oro City. Despite the reported completion of multiple flood control and drainage projects, residents continue to experience severe and recurring flooding during heavy rainfall, raising serious concerns on the effectiveness, continuity, and actual existence of these infrastructure projects.

On-Site Verification Activities

Early in the morning, the PACC team visited strategic sites and deployed technical personnel to conduct on-site verification, engineering assessment, and documentation, comparing actual field conditions with official project records.

Summary of Identified Projects

Based on records obtained from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the PACC identified multiple flood control, drainage, slope protection, and revetment projects across Cagayan de Oro City, with an aggregate reported cost of ₱3,547,135,563.10.

Flood Control, River Protection, and Revetment Projects

• Iponan River, Cagayan de Oro City – 16 flood control and flood mitigation projects
• Bitan-ag Creek, Cagayan de Oro City – 6 flood control projects
• Cugman River, Brgy. Cugman – 3 flood control projects
• Cugman River, Brgy. Tablon – 3 flood control projects
• Cugman River, Brgy. F.S. Catanico – 2 flood control projects
• Alae River, Brgy. Bugo – 3 flood control projects
• Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City – 4 flood control projects
• Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City – Flood control project
• Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City – Flood control project
• Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City – 2 flood control projects
• Agusan River, Cagayan de Oro City – Revetment project
• Tambo, Cagayan de Oro City – Protection dike
• Idahag, Cagayan de Oro City – Slope protection with drainage facilities

Drainage and Channelization Projects

• Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City – 2 drainage projects
• Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City – 4 drainage projects
• Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City – 3 drainage projects
• Limketkai Area, Cagayan de Oro City – Drainage project
• Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City – 2 drainage projects
• Barangay 28, Cagayan de Oro City – Drainage project
• Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City – Drainage project

Major Channel Works

• Construction of Rectangular Open Channel (6.0m x 2.5m) along Tributary Creek, Package 1, Cagayan de Oro City
• Rehabilitation of Tributary Channels (Upstream Area), Package 25, including channelization works across multiple alignments in Cagayan de Oro City

Key Concerns Noted by PACC

Despite the sheer number and scale of completed projects, the PACC noted recurring flooding incidents and apparent gaps in river protection systems, prompting questions regarding:

• Project continuity and alignment across adjacent sections
• Quality of workmanship and materials
• Compliance with approved engineering designs and locations
• Possible project fragmentation, duplication, or ineffective segmentation
• Accuracy of reported project completion and physical accomplishments

Statement from the PACC Chairman

“When records show more than ₱3.5 billion spent on flood control, drainage, and river protection, yet communities continue to suffer recurring floods, there is a compelling need for independent and technical verification. Our responsibility is to establish the truth on the ground and help ensure accountability for every peso spent.”

— Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD

Next Steps

The PACC technical team will consolidate its findings into a comprehensive technical and investigative report, which will be formally submitted to appropriate government oversight, audit, and enforcement agencies.

Should evidence indicate substandard construction, ghost or incomplete works, misrepresentation of project status, or misuse of public funds, the PACC will recommend the filing of appropriate administrative, civil, and criminal cases, in accordance with existing laws.

PACC Commitment

The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar reiterates its commitment to voluntarily assist the Philippine Government in advancing transparency, accountability, and integrity in public infrastructure projects—particularly those that directly impact public safety, disaster resilience, and the welfare of Filipino communities.