ILOILO City Mayor Raisa Treñas issued a temporary cease and desist order (CDO) on July 24, 2025 against all ongoing waterway projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Iloilo City District Engineering Office (Icdeo) following massive flooding that affected 68 barangays in Iloilo City.
The order specifically halts Icdeo projects such as slope protection, bike lanes, and access roads in Barangays Lanit, Tagbak, Buntatala, Balantang, Camalig, and Mohon.
"Wala gid sang prior coordination ukon consultation nga ginpatigayon ang Icdeo sa aton lokal nga gobyerno, which is a clear violation of DPWH Department Order No. 110, s. 2015," Treñas said.
(The Icdeo did not conduct any prior coordination or consultation with our local government, which is a clear violation of DPWH Department Order No. 110, s. 2015.)
She stressed that the poorly coordinated infrastructure works -- especially the narrowing and reclamation of natural waterways and creeks such as Buntatala, Dungon, Calubihan/Desamparados, and the mouth of Iloilo River in Mohon -- contributed to flooding, property damage, and even deaths.
“These creeks are supposed to serve as catch basins, not concrete paths that block drainages,” Treñas said.
Treñas added that the City Government’s decision is also backed by concerns raised by Oton Mayor Sofronio Fusin.
"Siling niya, sang nag-umpisa ang proyekto sang Esplanade sa Barangay Mohon, first time nila nga naka-eksperyensya ang pagsaka sang tubig baha sa 6 ka barangays sang Oton. Bisan pa sang bagyo Frank sang 2008, wala ini magsaka sang pareho subong, kag masakit nga may isa na ka napatay sa ila banwa. As a result, nagadesisyon man ang LGU Oton nga mag-issue sang ila kaugalingon nga cease and desist order," she noted.
(He said that when the Esplanade project started in Barangay Mohon, it was the first time they experienced the rise of flood waters in the six barangays of Oton. Despite Hurricane Frank in 2008, it did not rise as high as it does today, and it is painful that there has already been one death in their town. As a result, LGU Oton is also deciding to issue its own cease and desist order.)
In response, Mayor Fusin is also issuing a cease and desist order in Oton.
DPWH Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan has since committed to suspend all Icdeo projects until an independent, scientific study proves the works do not worsen flooding or endanger lives.
"Secretary Bonoan assured that all ongoing projects under Icdeo will be put on hold until an objective and scientific study is presented and thoroughly reviewed. He further committed that, upon the request of the Iloilo City Government, all Icdeo projects will be suspended to allow for a comprehensive and transparent evaluation," Treñas said.
She also acknowledged DPWH’s support in ensuring transparency.
"He also committed to instructing Regional Director Joel Limpengco to provide all project plans and documents to the experts who will conduct the study. This step is crucial in guiding our decision-making with accurate, science-based information," she added.
Treñas emphasized that the CDO will remain effective until a full, science-backed assessment is completed.
“We owe it to the victims of this negligence, including the 13-year-old child who drowned in Buntatala Creek, to act decisively and responsibly,” she said.
The mayor reaffirmed the City’s commitment to transparency and safety in all infrastructure planning: “We will demand accountability and uphold transparency in all government projects.” (Leo Solinap)