GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Amid growing public frustration over the delays, budget overruns, and flooding issues hounding the Mabuhay Underpass project, Congresswoman Shirlyn Bañas has formally requested the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a special and comprehensive audit of the controversial infrastructure.
In a statement, Bañas confirmed that she filed the request on August 27, 2025, with the Office of the COA Chairperson officially receiving her letter the following day. She stressed the need for transparency and accountability, citing the project’s ballooning cost from ₱650 million to over ₱800 million despite its slow completion and recurring problems.
“We need to know the truth. We need to know how the people’s money was spent, why the project budget increased, and who is accountable for these severe delays,” Bañas said. “An impartial and independent audit by COA is the most effective way to get to the bottom of this. This is not politics; this is about good, honest governance and protecting your money.”
The call for an audit came just as heavy rains once again submerged the underpass, causing inconvenience to motorists. In response, Bañas dispatched the Congressional Inspectorate Team early Tuesday morning to assess the situation and ensure immediate remedial measures from project contractor Vicente T. Lao Construction.
According to her office, the following steps were carried out to mitigate the flooding:
- Clearing of drainage systems: Catch basins and drainage lines were unclogged, allowing the road to be passable by around 6:00 AM.
- Repair of access roads: Damaged sections were filled with gravel to ensure motorist safety.
- Continuous dewatering operation: Pumps inside the tunnel remained operational and are expected to fully clear floodwater by 6:00 PM.
While acknowledging the temporary relief, Bañas insisted on a permanent solution to the underpass’ persistent flooding problem. “We are demanding a permanent and effective flood-control solution from the contractor,” she emphasized.
The lawmaker assured her constituents that her office will maintain strict monitoring of the project and release regular updates. “Makasalig kamo nga dili nato ni undangan hangtod makab-ot nato ang kamatuoran ug hustisya. We will see this through—for GenSan,” Bañas declared.