A coalition of civil society and faith-based groups held a public forum on Monday, September 11, to demand transparency and justice for what they describe as a systemic pattern of flawed, corrupt, and environmentally destructive infrastructure projects across the Bicol Region.
Dubbed “Bungkaras Bikol,” the event at El Palacio in the Old Albay District was organized by the Sorsogon Coalition for Environment Protection (SCEP) with the support of the Diocese of Albay. The forum served as a platform for communities to share testimonies and present evidence alleging that multi-billion peso projects, particularly flood controls, have failed to protect residents and have instead exacerbated environmental damage and flooding.
The coalition presented a litany of grievances against projects linked to prominent construction firms and political figures. Speakers alleged that these projects, funded by billions in public money, have been marked by substandard quality, lack of proper permits, and a severe absence of community consultation.
Community Testimonies Highlight Environmental, Social Damage
Vicente Vista, a public school teacher from Bacacay, Albay, detailed the impacts of a four-lane road project in Cagbulacao allegedly constructed by Sunwest Corporation. He claimed the project involved “cutting an entire mountain,” depositing massive rocks and debris into a river below, which subsequently flooded the barangays of Cagbulacao and Manaet.
“The project is leading to a resort allegedly owned by Zaldy Co,” Vista stated, questioning the lack of oversight from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the possible absence of a required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Pepito Mato, spokesperson for the Bicol Coalition for Environment Protection, cited official data showing the Bicol region received the second-highest allocation for flood control projects nationwide, totaling PhP49.61 billion for 866 projects. He named companies linked to Rep. Zaldy Co—Sunwest, Hi-Tone, and Centerways Construction—as being among the top 15 contractors with billions in flood control contracts.
“These projects have been flagged for subpar quality,” Mato claimed, citing an incident in Legazpi where a newly built stage roof collapsed, injuring six people.
In Sorsogon, Fernando Policarpio of SCEP denounced the Sorsogon City coastal road and reclamation project for proceeding without proper consultation. He stated the project has destroyed vital mangrove forests, caused flooding and water stagnation, and endangered local fisherfolk.
John Bryan Abitria, also of the Bicol Coalition, pointed to a stark contradiction: despite Sorsogon City receiving 33 flood control projects, the town of Bulan receiving 20, and Donsol receiving 8, all three areas have been “submerged in severe flooding in recent months and weeks.”
A Five-Point Call to Action
In response to these allegations, the coalition issued a firm five-point demand to the government:
- Data Transparency: The immediate release of all project data from the DPWH under the Freedom of Information (FOI) law.
- Independent Oversight: The establishment of multi-sectoral investigation and monitoring teams at regional, provincial, and municipal levels to serve as a check on government projects.
- Accountability: The swift investigation and prosecution of politicians, contractors, and government executives found responsible for flawed projects.
- Defund the DPWH: A call to halt the flow of funds to the agency pending investigation.
- Fund Reallocation: The rechanneling of funds from “anomalous infrastructure projects” to essential services like education, agriculture, and health.
The forum concluded with a unified call for all Bicolanos to demand responsible governance and justice for the damages inflicted on their communities, livelihoods, and environment.#
