• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Representative Javier Miguel Benitez reported on Sunday that from 2016 to 2025, there are no “ghost projects” in connection with the implementation of P5.3 billion in flood control mitigating measures in the Negros Occidental 3rd district.
Benitez, who inspected the flood mitigation projects at the Malogo and Imbang Rivers in E.B. Magalona, and the cities of Silay and Talisay, said he worked closely with local government units and even barangay officials, to determine if ghost projects existed in the district.
So far, there was none, he claimed.
Silay City has the most flood control mitigation projects in the Third District, followed by Victorias City, E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, and Murcia, according to Benitez.
He, however, discovered a damaged flood control mitigation project at the Malogo River in Barangay Pasil, E.B. Magalona, upon inspections in the company of the Department of Public Works and Highways 1st District Engineering Office, led by Engr. Rene Baldonado Jr.
Benitez ordered the contractors, Supreme ABF Construction, Supply Company Inc. and Silvergraces Construction and Construction Supply, to immediately repair the damaged portion of the flood control project, estimated at 20 meters long.
The flood control project at the Malogo River, which is located within the boundary of E.B. Magalona and Victorias City, started in 2019, with a contracted price of P93.6 million.
According to the DPWH, Benitez said the project contractors have to repair it, at no cost to the government.
If they fail to do so, the solon said they will be blacklisted in all Third District biddings on infrastructure projects.
The cost of repair is estimated by Benitez and DPWH at P300,000.
Under his watch, Benitez said he will make sure that there will be no ghost projects in the 3rd district.
Benitez also inspected a P96.4 million flood control structure at Imbang River in Brgy. Hawaiian, Silay City, as well as in Brgy. Zone XIV- B, which is a flood-prone area in Talisay City.
He stressed the need to dredge the downstream of Minulu-an River, and for the declogging of waste from the waterways of Imbang River at Brgy. Hawaiian, Silay City.
Asked about Victorias City, Benitez, who served as its mayor from 2022 to 2025, declared “so far, no problem,” after project assessments, as shown in the ‘Isumbong mo sa Pangulo” website.
He encouraged his constituents to report such projects, for an assessment on whether the project was initiated by the LGU, district engineering office, or from the region.
A flood mitigation summit for the Negros Occidental 3rd district, as pushed by Benitez, will be held on September 14 in Talisay City, to be attended by Dr. Mahar Lagmay of Project NOAH, representatives of LGUs, and other stakeholders.
Benitez said he agrees with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon that funding for all flood control mitigation projects should be science-based, and not just put anywhere.*
