Iloilo city: The local government is currently awaiting guidance from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding ongoing projects managed by firms owned by contractors Pacifico 'Curlee' Discaya II and Cezarah 'Sarah' Discaya in Iloilo City. Mayor Raisa Tre±as expressed this stance following her recent inspection of the flood mitigation structure in Barangay Barrio Obrero in the Lapuz District, implemented by St. Timothy Construction Corp.

According to Philippines News Agency, a list of projects carried out by the Discaya firms was sent to the DPWH central office last week. Mayor Tre±as stated, "We will just wait for the guidance from the DPWH. Technically, they should stop," pointing out the need for official direction. The flood mitigation project spans 645 lineal meters, divided into three sections, and requires funding of more than PHP400 million. While Sections 1 and 2 are financed under the 2024 General Appropriations Act and are in progress, Section 3, intended for the 2025 budget, has been halted due to an obstruction issue.

Tre±as raised concerns regarding the project's necessity, noting that local residents had only requested the rehabilitation of the existing seawall. "Their first request was only a seawall," she commented. Engineer Mavi Gustilo, chief of the Office of Building Official, explained that the project plan includes slope protection with a wave deflector, a box culvert, and a 6.7-meter carriageway or access.

Additionally, the city government recently collected PHP2.3 million in taxes from St. Timothy after discovering it was operating without a mayor's permit. St. Timothy is one of the nine firms owned or controlled by the Discayas whose licenses were revoked by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board.