By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 04:13 PM October 28, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bohol 2nd District Engineering Office has issued an official clarification on social media allegations claiming anomalies in the P143-million seawall and flood control project in Barangay Tugas, President Carlos P. Garcia town.
In a report dated October 27, 2025, addressed to officer-in-charge -District Engineer Fernando J. Talagsa and coursed through Assistant District Engineer Dioscoro Virtudazo, Project Engineer Leteica Evardo denied claims of corruption, contract misrepresentation, and incomplete construction in the Sustainable Infrastructure Project Alleviating Gaps (Sipag)—Flood Mitigation Structures Protecting Major/Strategic Public Buildings and Facilities under Contract ID No. 24HC0102.
Evardo clarified that contrary to the 1.5-kilometer length mentioned in viral posts, the approved project length is 950 meters, based on official plans and bidding documents.
The project, with a total cost of P143,827,250, became effective on July 15, 2024, and was originally set to expire on February 12, 2025, but has been revised to August 9, 2025, pending regional approval.
DPWH also explained that part of the project alignment was affected by environmental regulations. A 403-meter segment was declared as timberland area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) on May 13, 2025. Meanwhile, construction for the remaining 322 meters is awaiting DENR clearance before work can resume.
Evardo said the project remains on-going and monitored, with proper coordination being maintained with the contractor. Warning letters have also been issued to ensure timely completion.
She added that the contractor is under directive and contractual obligation to complete the project in full compliance with DPWH specifications, standards, and approved plans, and is subject to enforcement actions in case of non-compliance.
The DPWH reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to regulatory and environmental requirements amid public scrutiny of government infrastructure projects.
