Former Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo has questioned the seemingly “identical contract prices” of several slope protection projects along the Malisik River in Barangays Magumbali, Mapaniqui, Salapungan, and Barangca, costing around P144 million each.
In a video posted on Facebook, Pelayo also mentioned two separate repair projects on the damaged dike in Vizal San Pablo, both costing P68 million.
“Mahigit P1.4-billion ang halaga nito. Di bali sana kung may pinoproteksyunan na bahay na magigiba. Alam naman natin ang malisik daanan ng tubig yan. Magslope protection ka lang at gagastos ng bilyon kung maraming madadamay na kabahayan, eh wala naman e. Kaya ang tawag nga dyan marangle (palayan). Bakit mo poproteksyunan ang palayan?,” said Pelayo.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office (DEO), however, has denied Pelayo’s allegations, saying there are no “ghost infrastructure projects” in Candaba.
In a statement, Engr. Danny Canlas, chief of the Construction Section of DPWH Pampanga 1st DEO, said their office is not engaged in any “ghost projects.”
Canlas assured the public that all projects undergo the proper bidding process and are backed by legitimate contracts.
Canlas clarified that while the rehabilitation project for the Malisik River falls under the jurisdiction of DPWH Region 3, all undertakings are conducted with full transparency.
He added that the district office welcomes any investigation or audit to verify the legitimacy and standards of the implemented projects.
The DPWH also confirmed that any damaged portions of the flood control structures will be repaired by the Sto. Cristo Construction Company, the contractor involved.
Canlas stressed that the local municipal government played no role in the construction itself but only assisted in identifying previously damaged dikes that needed prioritization.
“We remain committed to transparency and accountability in all our projects,” Canlas said, as he reiterated the agency’s readiness to cooperate with any official probe.
