Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto is calling for a deeper scrutiny and greater transparency in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects within the city, following the release of project data on the newly launched SumbongSaPangulo.ph website (https://sumbongsapangulo.ph).
In a Facebook post titled “A GOOD START, BUT WE NEED SOME MORE INFO,” Sotto welcomed the availability of project titles, costs, completion dates, and locations, describing it as a “malaking hakbang” (a big step) toward accountability. However, he emphasized that the data is insufficient to assess the quality and completeness of the projects.
“We don’t want to just make a subjective judgment; we want real accountability,” Sotto wrote. “Kung kumpleto at maayos naman, eh di mabuti; kung may problema o may kulang, dapat malaman para maaksyunan.”
Sotto outlined the need for more technical documentation to properly evaluate the projects, including:
– Program of Works (POW) and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) —to verify exact specifications such as project length, steel measurements, and material types.
– Detailed Unit Price Analysis (DUPA) and bidding documents — to assess cost breakdowns and procurement integrity.
– Clear identification of the implementing office — whether handled by the DPWH’s First Metro Manila District or its Unified Project Management Office (UPMO).
To obtain these documents, the Pasig LGU is preparing a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DPWH. Sotto said the request will be submitted this week, following initial research over the weekend.
“With these documents, the LGU will help the national government investigate within its jurisdiction,” he added, noting that civil society organizations will be engaged for long-term monitoring.
Sotto revealed that he had already met with one group to discuss collaborative oversight. The move aligns with broader efforts to ensure public infrastructure projects are not only completed but done so with integrity and public trust.
The mayor’s statement comes amid growing national scrutiny of flood control projects, especially after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flagged concerns over the concentration of contracts among a handful of firms. Sotto has previously raised red flags about contractors allegedly linked to political families and questionable procurement practices.
As Pasig continues to grapple with flooding and urban infrastructure challenges, Sotto’s push for transparency signals a proactive stance in ensuring that public funds are spent wisely — and that every meter of drainage, every peso of budget, is accounted for.
“Will continue to update you,” Sotto concluded, promising ongoing public communication as the investigation unfolds. (ROSE NOVENARIO)
