📋 Tender Overview
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) -- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have expanded their probe into government-funded projects in Ilocos Norte, beginning with an inspection of flood control structures in Nueva Era on November 13. ICI Special Adviser and retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar led the visit to verify the condition, compliance, and accuracy of the projects amid a nationwide infrastructure review ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This initiative underscores the governments efforts to ensure infrastructure safety and reliability, especially in flood-prone areas, Azurin said. Initial findings Bisnar said early observations at three Nueva Era sites revealed that the projects are present, but with noticeable recent repairs, suggesting earlier damage. What we saw were repairs. Our engineers will now check if the structures match the plans and specifications, Azurin added. Discaya Construction Company implemented the projects at all three sites. Local engineers reported that Discaya or its related firms, operating under different business names, handled most projects in the municipality. Technical validation underway While the presence of the structures rules out ghost projects, DPWH emphasized that detailed technical checks remain essential. DPWH engineers--assisted by the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)--will stay on-site to conduct measurements, compare designs with actual outputs, and assess whether materials and dimensions meet standards. DPWH is reviewing around 15 infrastructure projects in the province built from 2016 to 2025. The ICI-DPWH team will continue inspections in Laoag City and Vintar, this time focusing on streetlights and solar lighting systems. We will verify spacing, specifications, and the pricing of solar units, Azurin said. Broader scope Across Ilocos Norte, more than 150 flood control projects worth an estimated P9 billion were implemented from 2016 to 2022. The DPWH said it will review procurement records as part of the investigation. Azurin said the Nueva Era inspection forms part of a nationwide effort to strengthen infrastructure management and improve river basin resilience. Nueva Era sits within one of 18 major river basins identified for long-term development. The purpose of coming here is not just to file cases. We need to assess the entire area and offer recommendations to prevent these issues from recurring, Azurin said. Charges are dependent on ICI findings Whether cases will be filed this year depends on ICI recommendations. Any endorsed cases will undergo Ombudsman review before possible elevation to the Sandiganbayan. Azurin clarified that Ilocos Norte was not singled out; the schedule followed coordination among the ICI, DPWH, PNP, AFP, and the Office of the Executive Secretary. As engineers begin technical validation in Nueva Era, the ICI and DPWH will continue inspections across the province in the coming days, underscoring the Marcos administrations push for stronger infrastructure accountability and safer communities. (AMB/MTDA/ZASP, PIA Ilocos Norte)
