PHP260 Million “Useless” Rock Shed Project Sparks Corruption Probe, Marcos Vows Accountability
Tuba, Benguet – President ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a scathing rebuke of a PHP260-million (approximately $3.2 million USD) rock shed project along Kennon Road, declaring it “totally useless” after it collapsed following whether disturbances in July. The president’s inspection on sunday revealed a failed slope protection structure, prompting vows to restore local government oversight in infrastructure projects and investigate potential corruption.
(Image: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects the collapsed rock shed project in Tuba, Benguet.PCO photo)
The 152-meter,two-lane rock shed,constructed by 3K Rock Engineering under the 2022 Department of Public Works and Highways program,was completed in April 2025 after beginning construction in January 2023. However, just months later, a cave-in rendered a portion of the vital thoroughfare impassable, disrupting a key economic lifeline.
“Here’s the problem here, this PHP260-million project – useless. It’s as if the money was just thrown into the river,” Marcos stated, accompanied by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan. “You can see for yourself that this was not done properly, because the supposed slope protection here has already given way.”
Economic Impact & Corruption Allegations
The project’s failure has considerably impacted local livelihoods, with the President estimating a 35% reduction in income for Kennon Road residents. Rebuilding the structure is now projected to cost at least PHP500 million (approximately $6.4 million USD) – nearly double the original contract price.
the incident has ignited accusations of corruption, with Baguio City Mayor Magalong alleging that some lawmakers have been receiving kickbacks of 30-40% on flood control and infrastructure projects. Magalong has volunteered to lead the examination into these claims.
Restoring Local Oversight
President Marcos emphasized the critical need to reinstate the oversight functions of local government units (LGUs) in infrastructure projects. He recalled a previous system requiring consultations and formal acceptance from barangays (villages), municipalities, and provinces before project completion – a process he says was “removed,” leaving lgus powerless to address substandard work.
“There would be hearings from the barangay,to the municipality,up to the province,” Marcos explained. “Before, once a project was completed, the LGU had to formally accept it… but that process was removed, leaving them powerless even if the work was poorly done.”
The President vowed to restore this system as “an notable layer of protection” to ensure quality and accountability. “The local government has a big role to perform,” he added.“Sumbong sa Pangulo” & Future Infrastructure Projects
This inspection follows the launch of the ”Sumbong sa Pangulo” (Report to the President) website on August 11th, designed to crowdsource reports of corruption. The Kennon Road project is the latest in a series of anomalous flood control-related works under scrutiny.Mayor Magalong has also previously suggested exploring the privatization of Kennon Road for improved management,believing a “thorough scrutiny will lead to a better master plan.”
Keywords: Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Philippines, Kennon Road, Infrastructure, Corruption, Rock Shed, Benguet, Baguio City, DPWH, Local Government, Accountability, “Sumbong sa Pangulo”, Kickbacks, Project
