DPWH finds substandard P179.4M flood control projects in La Union

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong inspected flood control projects in Bauang, La Union, discovering substandard work.

Two projects, Packages 5 and 6 at the Bauang River Basin, each costing P89.7 million, were found to be unfinished and used substandard materials.

Officials observed that the pipes used were very short, barely stuck to the wall, and some were already worn down, revealing their deceptive nature.

The metal wires used for the flood control walls were also found to be substandard, with Dizon deeming the overall project, amounting to P179.4 million, as substandard.

Although reported as completed in March 2025, the project was still under construction when inspected.

Dizon noted that these findings are part of a pattern of substandard flood control projects built without proper plans, as previously observed in other inspections.

Magalong announced that the alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects in La Union will be declared as "crime scenes" to prevent intrusion and allow for charges to be filed against trespassers.