Come Christmas Day 2024, Ilonggos may receive a significant gift as the Ungka Flyover is expected to open fully to motorists.
This milestone, as promised by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), marks the culmination of rectification efforts after persistent issues with subsidence plagued the over P900-million project (P680M for the original cost plus more than P200M for the repairs).
The flyover’s full operation, while a positive step, is not a reason to ease public pressure on the project’s accountability.
The pudding will be tested once the repairs are done—whether the solution is truly sustainable and beneficial or merely a patch-up job designed to placate growing frustrations.
The long-term functionality of this structure remains to be seen, and there is no room for failure in the wake of already lost time, opportunity, and convenience.
Despite being touted as a cheaper flyover compared to similar infrastructure costing over P1 billion, the inconvenience caused by the delays, closures, and partial use cannot be simply quantified nor justified by savings.
The economic impact on commuters and businesses, alongside the wasted time, will not simply vanish when the flyover opens in December. Thus, the call for accountability continues.
DPWH’s efforts to move forward must not overshadow the need for justice. Regardless of whether the department or other personalities behind the project wish to brush aside the issue, there must be a reckoning.
The Ombudsman, which has received requests for an investigation from interested parties, will take on the responsibility of determining who should be held liable for the bungled flyover, whether it be the United Technologists Consolidated Partnership (UTCP), the original consultants, or others involved. This investigation must proceed without compromise.
The people of Iloilo deserve transparency and real answers, not just a hastily opened flyover wrapped in aluminum cladding and fancy lights.
Only by addressing the root causes of the problems, and holding those accountable, can we ensure that future public projects don’t repeat the same costly mistakes. Let us not allow convenience to cloud the quest for justice.
Come December, the Ungka Flyover may indeed become a functioning artery for Iloilo’s motorists, but that should not end the conversation.
The real cost of this project will not be settled until accountability is served.
