The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) expressed disappointment at its first inspection for flood control projects in the country on Thursday, September 18.

According to RH 52 Edniel Parrosa’s report, the commission’s initial inspection took place in Quezon City, where a portion of the San Juan River in District 4 revealed a questionable project labeled as “Capacity Enhancement.” However, instead of widening the river, it reportedly became even narrower.

Authorities from the ICI also expressed dismay upon learning that the project had been divided into 92 phases.

Aside from the river, the ICI, led by Retired Justice Andy Reyes and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, also inspected the P95.99 million Matalahib Creek Pumping Station project by St. Timothy Construction. It was expected to be completed by May 2025, but remains unfinished to this day, and has instead worsened flooding in the area.

Moreover, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who also serves as a special adviser and investigator for the ICI, was shocked upon inspecting the drainage system in Barangay Tatalon, which had been allocated P48 million in funding but was found to have been merely painted, with no actual work done on the drainage itself.

“It’s just so bold, so courageous na gumawa ng ganitong project na kala mo hindi sila mahuhuli,” said Magalong during the inspection, visibly frustrated by the apparent misuse of public funds.

The projects inspected represent only a portion of the more than 300 Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects that reportedly did not undergo approval under the Quezon City master plan. Of these, over 30 were classified as “ghost projects” or entirely non-existent, while more than 30 others were discovered to be built in incorrect or unintended locations.