Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Ranulfo Docdocan

ABS-CBN News

Residents and local officials are calling for an investigation into a flood control project in Matag-ob, Leyte that collapsed during recent floods. Antonia Bunal, 63, who grew vegetables and rice by the river said her garden was totally washed out. Her crops have turned black, and all her hard work had been lost. &quot;Ang mga tanom namo di na magamit, daot na dahil sa baha. (All our crops are now useless, destroyed by the flood.)&quot;She now asks why the flood control structure gave way.Workers are now clearing debris and fixing the damaged portions of the structure. The flood control project cost P48 million and was expected to be completed next month, according to the information board at the site. In an interview on DZMM Teleradyo, Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy said steel bars used in the project were too thin.He added, the project was never coordinated with the local government, nor were building permits and other documents secured by the project implementor.He also mentioned 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez&#x27;s alleged involvement in the project.&quot;Lahat ng mga proyekto ng DPWH ay walang coordination at walang consultation dito sa local government. Pondo ito ng ating congressman ng 4th District, Congressman Richard Gomez&quot; said Tacoy. Tacoy also made the same statement days ago. Asked by media for a response, Gomez instead posted messages sent by reporters on social media, including their names and numbers, and accused media of &quot;spin&quot;, adding there appears to be someone &quot;orchestrating&quot; the media. This elicited condemnation from media groups and lawmakers with some raising possible violation of the data privacy act.ABS-CBN News went to Gomez&#x27;s office but his staff said the lawmaker is in Manila. Officials from DPWH in the province have also yet to issue a statement. The staff of the contractor who visited the site refused to issue a statement and instead pointed to their office in Ormoc City. The staff at the office also refused to comment, only saying the owner is not around.Bunal meanwhile supports an investigation into the flood control project, citing their plight every time floodwaters rise.&quot;Maayo unta ila na ayuhon ang pagtrabaho kay kami ang apektado diri sa baha, (They should do their job properly because it is us that get affected by flood).

Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy said steel bars used in the project, which was allegedly backed by Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez, were too thin.

Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy said steel bars used in the project, which was allegedly backed by Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez, were too thin.

Residents, local officials call for probe into Matag-ob, Leyte flood control project

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Regions

Residents, local officials call for probe into Matag-ob, Leyte flood control project

Ranulfo Docdocan,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 30, 2025 11:28 PM PHT

Read More:

Matag-ob

Leyte

Flood Control

Collapse

Richard Gomez

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.