BACOLOD CITY – A flood control project in Purok Malinong, Barangay 40, crumbled on Friday after heavy rains triggered by Severe Tropical Storm “Opong,” exposing questionable construction practices and fueling suspicions of government corruption.
Images released by Brigada News FM 103.1 Bacolod showed broken portions of the structure, where thin layers of cement and a lack of reinforcing steel were clearly visible. Behind the damaged concrete, loose sand appeared to make up the foundation, a material easily eroded by strong water currents.
The collapse has drawn widespread criticism on social media, where many pointed out that the project was meant to safeguard residents from flooding, yet failed during a critical time. The structural weakness has intensified calls for accountability and raised concerns about the possible misuse of public funds.
Reports indicate that the flood control initiative was highly costly, with speculation that it may have been overpriced. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that portions of the budget were lost to kickbacks and questionable transactions involving certain government officials. These claims have fueled anger among citizens who argue that such practices undermine public safety and waste taxpayers’ money.
The damaged structure has worsened flooding in the surrounding area, forcing residents to contend with rising waters while authorities rush to provide relief. The situation underscores the crucial role of quality infrastructure in disaster prevention, particularly in flood-prone regions such as Bacolod City.
Advocates for good governance stressed that transparent procurement, stringent monitoring, and strict adherence to engineering standards are essential in public works projects. They argue that infrastructure designed to protect communities from natural disasters must undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure that funds are spent properly and lives are safeguarded.
As Severe Tropical Storm Opong continues to affect large portions of the Visayas and Luzon, the failure of the Bacolod flood control project highlights the risks posed by poorly executed construction. The incident has now become a flashpoint in the broader discussion on corruption and accountability in government-funded infrastructure projects.
The collapse in Barangay 40 not only exposed the vulnerability of communities during extreme weather but also reinforced the urgent need for reforms in infrastructure spending and oversight.