THE province of Bulacan which lies on the outskirts of the National Capital Region, seems living up to its notorious title — the flood control scandal capital of the country.
As the southwest monsoon-induced rains pummel most of Luzon, a “flood control” structure in Barangay Prenza 2 in the municipality of Marilao, collapsed barely two months after its “completion.”
The collapsed flood control infrastructure project, classified by the local government as “riprap” amounts to P5 million.
The Marilao river wall collapsed late afternoon of August 10 prompting the local government to launch an investigation.
Citing details stipulated on a signage, local residents said that the flood control project measured about 45 meters long and 12 meters high.
Its early collapse quickly drew harsh criticism and questions from residents and netizens as to the quality of materials used, construction and whether the structure was capable of withstanding strong floodwaters.
Project contractor JB Construction denied cutting corners, saying it followed the project’s program of works, steel requirements and prescribed cement thickness.
JB Construction attributed the structural failure to extreme pressure from water-saturated soil pushing against the wall.
Marilao Mayor Jamina Sy inspected the damaged structure with local officials on August 12 and ordered an investigation into the collapse, adding that the contractor would be made to rebuild the damaged structure at no cost to the municipality.
“Binisita po natin ang nasirang riprap sa Beverly 1, Barangay Prenza 2, upang ma-assess ang pinsalang dulot ng Habagat. Sisiguraduhin po natin ma-rebuild ito ng contractor nang walang karagdagang gastos sa pamahalaang bayan, the local chief executive said.
She also assured that the local government would supervise repairs if only to ensure the safety of the residents living in the densely populated segment along Marilao River.
“Patuloy po natin tututukan ang pagkukumpuni nito para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga Marileño,” Sy added.
Interestingly, officials from adjacent barangays encompassing Marilao River also noted widening gaps and leaning portions of dikes, raising further concerns over its structural integrity and public safety.
Meanwhile, the Senate is bent on looking into the substandard work of a P6-billion worth rehabilitation project along EDSA.
In filing Senate Resolution 594, Senator Panfilo Lacson cited the need for a congressional investigation into the Phase One of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ road repair and rehabilitation project along the 25-kilometer EDSA.
He particularly hinted at the potholes spanning from Pasay to Makati City three months after its supposed completion. According to the legislator, the highway turned into a “rough road” after nearly two weeks of continuous downpour in Metro Manila.
Lacson’s resolution asked the Senate Committee on Public Works to assess the EDSA Rehabilitation Project and review its design and engineering standards.
He cited the P6 billion budget allocated for the rehabilitation and repair of EDSA in the resolution, adding that the investigation is intended to ensure accountability.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the EDSA Busway along Estrella Street in Makati City on Monday after potholes appeared in the area, which he said was caused by rainwater.
The affected segment forms part of Phase One of the EDSA Rehabilitation Project.
“For nearly a week, persistent southwest monsoon (habagat) rains have drenched parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila; damaging several main thoroughfares, including recently rehabilitated sections of EDSA. The presence of fresh potholes means the newly- repaired avenue will already require another round of maintenance,” the resolution reads.
The project was started in June 2025, with Phase One covering the repair of Roxas Boulevard to Orense Street and Phase Two covering Orense to Monumento.
The repair and rehabilitation project of the entire stretch was awarded to Readycon Trading & Construction Corp., with the second phase a joint venture with Dumduma Construction & Trading Corp.
Phase One of the project, completed in April 2026, was worth P1,2 billion and the Phase 2 contract, worth P4.009 billion was signed on June 4, with the Notice to Proceed issued on June 8, 2026.
“Rapid deterioration of recently rehabilitated roads, most notably EDSA, just months after completion exposes deep-seated flaws in the planning, design, construction and management of high-cost public infrastructure projects,” an obviously pissed Lacson quipped.