General Santos Underpass Project Faces Delay Amid Corruption Claims

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — The General Santos Underpass Project is facing significant delays, which have drawn criticism from various groups, including the Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC).

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, however, have defended the delay, citing technical challenges that are necessary to ensure the safety and durability of the P681-million infrastructure project.

DPWH Explains Delay as ‘Technical in Nature’

According to Bureau of Construction Director Allan S. Borromeo, the project, which is located at the busy junction of Mabuhay–Bulaong Road and the Digos–Makar National Highway, was temporarily suspended in April 2023.

The suspension occurred due to obstructions along the alignment for high-density polyethylene pipes. Unanticipated water seepage in the tunnel section, which had not been accounted for in the original engineering design, also required revisions to the plans.

“These actions are technical in nature and necessary to ensure the safety, quality, and durability of the structure,” Borromeo said in a letter to MindaNews.

PACC Raises Concerns Over Abandonment and Poor Planning

While DPWH insists that the delays are due to necessary adjustments, PACC has a different perspective. In a social media post on August 26, PACC highlighted concerns about abandonment, poor planning, and flooding at the construction site. According to PACC chair Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, the project has become an “economic and social disaster.”

The post, which quickly gained traction with over 8,400 shares and 4,200 reactions, also criticized the lack of activity at the site and pointed out issues such as misaligned column bases, uneven pavement, and unsafe passageways.

Local Impact: Flooding and Business Closures

Residents and local business owners have also voiced their frustrations. Honeylyn G. Phala, a local resident, noted that the flooding in the area had worsened since construction began. “Before this project, there was no flooding here. Now it looks like a swimming pool every time it rains,” she said.

Businesses in the area have reported losses due to the ongoing construction, with some even having to shut down temporarily due to poor road conditions and flooding.

Financial Discrepancies and Calls for Transparency

Another point of contention is the discrepancy in reported contract amounts for the project. Both DPWH and PACC acknowledged that the General Santos Underpass Project was allocated P814.1 million from the General Appropriations Act (2021-2024).

However, the two parties differ on the total contract cost. PACC claims the project’s contract is worth P659.8 million, while DPWH states it is P681.3 million—a difference of P21.5 million.

These discrepancies have raised concerns over financial transparency and whether funds have been appropriately allocated for the project’s execution.

Revised Completion Timeline and Expectations

Originally set for completion by September 2024, the General Santos Underpass Project has now been extended to December 2025. This delay, which has already stretched nearly three years after the groundbreaking in June 2022, has raised questions about the progress of the work and how much of the allocated funds have actually been used for construction.

Local residents and businesses continue to demand quicker completion, while PACC calls for a full audit of the project’s finances and accomplishments.

Conclusion: Calls for Accountability and Action

As the delays continue, both DPWH and PACC remain at odds over the cause and impact of the construction setbacks. While DPWH maintains that the delays are necessary for the project’s safety and quality, PACC and local residents are pressing for faster completion, greater transparency, and a full audit of the project’s financial handling.

Reference:

• Watchdog hits delay in GenSan Underpass project; DPWH says it’s ‘technical’