By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Department of Public Works and Highways–Iloilo City District Engineering Office (DPWH-ICDEO), headed by Engr. Roy Pacanan, is once again facing a cease-and-desist order from the Iloilo City government.
The order, issued June 10, directed the immediate suspension of DPWH-ICDEO’s road construction and drainage project in Barangays East Timawa and Taal in Molo district.
The city government said the project lacked several required permits, including an excavation permit, a mayor’s permit, a barangay clearance, and an approved road closure ordinance, according to records from the Office of the City Engineer.
“It appears that the implementing agency failed to properly coordinate with the concerned offices of the Iloilo City government in violation of Department Order No. 110 of the DPWH,” the order stated.
It also emphasized that DPWH-ICDEO’s failure to consult or coordinate with the city government deprived the local chief executive of crucial project details.
The stoppage order was addressed to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, with copies sent to DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel and Assistant Director Jose Al Fruto.
Joy Fantilaga, spokesperson for Mayor Jerry Treñas, said while the mayor supports infrastructure development, it must follow legal processes to ensure safety and proper coordination.
“The city government urges DPWH to comply with all requirements and coordinate properly moving forward,” she said.
This is the second stop order issued this year against DPWH-ICDEO.
In April, a similar directive halted drainage and excavation works in Barangay San Pedro, Jaro, for the same reasons.
The agency, however, did not comply, calling the city’s order “legally invalid.”
Pacanan argued that the city cannot suspend national projects based solely on missing local permits if permit applications have already been filed.
He also cited a 2022 Department of the Interior and Local Government legal opinion stating that excavation permits for national projects fall under DPWH authority and that mayor’s and barangay permits are not required.
Since last year, Pacanan and Treñas have been locked in a conflict marked by accusations, delayed infrastructure work, and coordination issues between DPWH-ICDEO and the city government.
