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DOH orders probe into unfinished super health centers, Marikina project under scrutiny

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) has flagged the unfinished Super Health Center in Barangay Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, listed as “completed”, as part of its ongoing probe into possible irregularities in 297 similar projects nationwide.But the Marikina City government refuted the allegation, insisting it completed the project’s first phase according to the approved plan and that the delay stemmed from the health department’s own funding and monitoring lapses.During an inspection led by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, officials found the supposed “completed” facility to be far from operational, overgrown with tall weeds, grasses, and vines, with only exposed steel foundations standing on the site.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/1/discaya-owned-firm-has-an-unfinished-project-under-doh-herbosa-1528">Discaya-owned firm has an unfinished project under DOH: Herbosa</a></div>“Parang mukha siyang gubat, mukha siyang bakanteng lote na napakaraming halaman. Tapos iyong mga nagmimistulang matataas na halaman, iyong baging tumubo na doon sa pinakabakal na lumalabas mula sa lupa,” said DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.He explained that the Concepcion Dos project, which received P21.5 million under the 2021 General Appropriations Act, only finished Phase 1. Construction started two years later in December 2023 until April 2024.“Bagamat iyong nakarating na report sa amin ay diumano’y kumpleto na. Tama naman, kumpleto. Pero iyong palang kumpleto dito is iyong phase 1. Hindi siya magagamit kasi wala siyang bakod, pader, wala. Talagang ano lang, pundasyon lang siya,” Domingo clarified.The DOH further revealed that funds for the project were transferred to the Marikina City Government through a memorandum of agreement, making the LGU responsible for the bidding and selection of contractors.However, the project stalled after the contractor failed to submit an “as-built plan,” a necessary document for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to proceed with Phase 2.“Hindi binibigay ng contractor sa DPWH iyong as-built plan, kaya kahit may pondo na para doon sa phase 2 sana, hindi makapagtuloy,” Domingo said.He added that the Marikina site was among 297 “completed” super health centers under review, stressing that most appear “not operational.” DOH plans to conduct surprise inspections across the country to verify the true status of these projects.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/1/6/coa-flags-doh-for-delayed-unimplemented-health-facilities-projects-in-2023-1234">COA flags DOH for delayed, unimplemented health facilities projects in 2023</a></div>However, Marikina City Administrator Mark Castro dismissed the DOH’s findings.Castro explained that the P21 million fund was solely for the project’s foundation works, as specified in the scope of work, and was not intended to cover the entire structure of the planned four-storey facility.“Kapag sinabi mong completed na, ibig sabihin kung ano iyong nandoon sa scope of work, natapos na. So, hindi nagpabaya ang LGU. Natapos namin kung ano iyong sinasabi doon sa scope of work,” he said.He further clarified that the city government only received the budget in 2024, not in 2021 as the DOH claimed, and that the delay was largely due to the agency.“Tingin ko nagkaroon ng kapabayaan sa part ng Department of Health. Kulang sila sa funding, kulang sila sa monitoring, kaya nagkagano’n ang sinasabi nating proyekto,” Castro asserted.To ensure completion, Marikina has earmarked P200 million in its 2026 local budget for the continuation of the super health center. The increased cost, Castro said, accounts for safety standards and reinforced construction required for a building situated near the Marikina Fault Line.Meanwhile, Herbosa is set to present the DOH’s inspection findings for the 297 “completed” but not operational super health centers before the Independent Commission on Infrastructure on October 17.

The Department of Health (DOH) has flagged the unfinished Super Health Center in Barangay Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, listed as “completed”, as part of its ongoing probe into possible irregularities in 297 similar projects nationwide.

The Department of Health (DOH) has flagged the unfinished Super Health Center in Barangay Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, listed as “completed”, as part of its ongoing probe into possible irregularities in 297 similar projects nationwide.

DOH orders probe into unfinished super health centers; Marikina project under scrutiny

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DOH orders probe into unfinished super health centers; Marikina project under scrutiny

Francis Orcio,

ABS-CBN News

Published October 15, 2025 07:24 PM PHT

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Updated October 15, 2025 08:32 PM PHT

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