By I. Inojales | 12:46 PM September 29, 2025
CLARIN, Bohol — The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) has launched an investigation into the P144.65-million Construction of Flood Mitigation Structures and Drainage System in Clarin, Bohol, following mounting concerns over inflated costs, questionable workmanship, construction delays, and suspicious project revisions.
The project, funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bohol 2nd District Engineering Office, was awarded to Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation, a firm allegedly tied to controversial contractor Cezarah “Sara” Discaya, previously linked to questionable infrastructure projects in the province.
Red Flags in Implementation
While DPWH records show the project started in March 2024 with a target completion of October 20, 2025, PACC investigators found discrepancies between paper reports and on-ground progress:
Delayed Actual Work – Though equipment was deployed as early as March, locals said substantial construction only began in July 2025, months after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s SONA.
Slow Progress – PACC’s inspection revealed the project is only 30–40% complete, far behind schedule.
Missing Sheet Piles – Critical structural reinforcements were not installed, despite stockpiles being seen near the site. The contractor claimed the project followed the “original plan” of DPWH.
Irregular Project Revisions – Originally designed as a seawall, the project was later revised into a flood mitigation system due to environmental concerns. Residents and officials opposed the change, fearing it will not provide adequate protection. PACC is probing whether the revisions were based on valid technical studies and approvals—or whether they were used to justify cost irregularities.
A Pattern of Suspicion
The Clarin project is not an isolated case. PACC noted a disturbing pattern: multiple flood control and seawall projects across Bohol were uniformly priced at P144.6 million, regardless of scope or location.
According to PACC, this unusual uniformity points to possible:
Overpricing and cost-padding
Collusion between contractors and DPWH officials
Bid-rigging to favor select firms
PACC Recommendations
To ensure accountability and protect taxpayers’ money, PACC has recommended:
- A comprehensive audit of project costs versus physical accomplishments.
- A procurement review of bidding and award records for possible violations of the procurement law.
- Technical validation of designs, methods, and materials for compliance and safety.
- Administrative and legal actions against erring contractors and officials, if warranted.
- Referral to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for a parallel probe.
Public Accountability
PACC Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD underscored that the agency’s mandate is not to delay development but to ensure transparency.
“The residents of Clarin deserve protection not just from floods, but also from corruption, waste, and substandard infrastructure. This is exactly why PACC exists—to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in all government projects.”
Ceniza assured the public that findings will be released openly “in the spirit of transparency and public trust,” with investigations into Discaya-linked projects continuing.
