Iligan City, Lanao del Norte – September 15, 2025 — The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) has sounded the alarm over the long-delayed Agus Parallel Bridge projects in Iligan City, where more than ₱240 million has been spent through multiple contracts — yet the bridge remains unfinished, unsafe, and a daily burden to residents.
The findings were revealed after an on-site inspection led by PACC Chairman Doc. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD, together with PACC President VADM Andres Visaya (PCRGA) and Board of Trustee Pastor Allan Japor. The team reported glaring discrepancies between official Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) records and the actual state of the bridge, including the questionable use of steel H-piles in place of the required board piles — raising concerns over safety and durability.
Four Projects, One Bridge, Still Incomplete
Despite four separate contracts awarded since 2021, the bridge remains far from completion:
- Contract ID: 21K00088 (2021)
Contractor: Cavite Ideal International Construction & Development Corp. (CAVDEAL)
Cost: ₱95.7 million
Status: Abandoned after less than ₱50 million was spent. Only two piers and columns were completed, using steel H-piles instead of board piles. - Contract ID: 24K00296
Contractor: Lanao Builders and Enterprises
Cost: ₱23.08 million
Status: Declared “complete” by DPWH, but PACC says the project requires a full audit to check compliance with structural standards. - Contract ID: 24K00037 (2024–2025)
Contractor: Lanao Builders and Enterprises
Cost: ₱47.5 million
Status: Extension requested until October 2025, but approval is still pending. Work remains incomplete. - Contract ID: 25K00140 (2025)
Contractor: Jejor’s Construction Corporation
Cost: ₱73.9 million
Status: Residents observed that no substantial work began until September 2025, months after the official start date. Only mobilization of equipment and personnel has been noted so far.
Daily Burden on Residents
The protracted delays have sparked outrage among residents of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. Instead of easing mobility, the unfinished bridge has worsened traffic congestion, forcing thousands of commuters, students, and businesses to suffer daily gridlocks and productivity losses.
“DPWH declared these projects complete, but our inspection shows otherwise. The public deserves to know where their money went. More than ₱240 million has already been poured into one bridge, and yet it is still unfinished. This is unacceptable,” said PACC Chairman Ceniza.
PACC President VADM Visaya condemned the misuse of public funds, saying, “Every peso wasted here could have gone to schools, hospitals, and basic services. Corruption is not only theft—it puts lives at risk.”
Board of Trustee Pastor Japor added, “This bridge is not just an unfinished project—it has become a daily burden for thousands of Iligan residents. Corruption and negligence are robbing people of time, safety, and dignity.”
Call for Action
The PACC is urging immediate steps to hold accountable those responsible:
- Commission on Audit (COA): Conduct a full audit of all Agus Bridge contracts, focusing on the change of materials.
- DPWH Accountability: File charges against officials who signed off on questionable reports or contractor practices.
- Blacklist Contractors: Impose sanctions against firms proven to have abandoned or underdelivered projects.
For now, the Agus Parallel Bridge — despite over ₱240 million in government spending — remains a symbol of corruption, negligence, and betrayal of public trust. Until the project is completed properly, Iligan City residents will continue to bear the brunt of endless traffic, wasted resources, and compromised safety.