A brewing political storm hit Leyte’s 4th District after Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy criticized Congressman Richard Gomez over the collapse of a flood control structure on Monday, August 25, amid heavy rains that triggered widespread flooding.
Tacoy, in a strongly worded social media post, accused Gomez of neglecting flood-prone communities in the district while highlighting the collapse of the Barangay Riverside flood control project.
“Like our neighboring towns, we face constant flooding threatening our homes and livelihoods. Despite limited support from our District Representative, we continue to persevere through discipline and resilience,” Tacoy said.
The Matag-ob MDRRMO confirmed that portions of the structure caved in after torrential rain from a low-pressure area (LPA) swept across the Visayas.
Political Undertones
Tacoy later doubled down in a Facebook livestream, alleging that the project was linked to Gomez and carried political undertones.
“We didn’t even know about the project. What we saw was the groundbreaking led by Congressman Richard Gomez with his Matag-ob Development Team during the election period,” Tacoy said.
Photos posted by former vice mayor Bushi Torrevillas confirmed Gomez’s presence at the groundbreaking last March.
Tacoy also criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for allegedly bypassing the municipal government, demanding transparency on contractors, funds, and timelines.
“It is high time that the ongoing flood control projects in our district were brought to light. We need a clear timeline, updates on the status, and exactly how much has been spent because these are being executed without permits from our LGU,” Tacoy said.
Gomez Hits Back
In response, Gomez downplayed the issue, citing District Engineer Peter Soco’s report that the project was still under construction when it was damaged.
About 25 meters of the 332-meter structure collapsed due to strong water pressure, he said, adding that repairs would be made “at no cost to the government.”
“Just allow the mayor to ride on this season’s most interesting subject matter. This is what keeps him happy,” Gomez quipped.
Gomez’s statement reflects a broader national debate over flood control projects, which critics claim have become a hotbed of patronage and corruption.
In July, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong alleged that lawmakers receive kickbacks for facilitating contracts, casting doubt on whether flood control projects truly prioritize public safety.
Larger Issue
These back and forth accusations only emphasized that flood control is too often treated as a political trophy rather than a technical necessity.
When projects collapse even before completion, public trust erodes—and communities pay the price.
With climate change intensifying rainfall and flooding, accountability in infrastructure cannot remain an afterthought. Tacoy’s challenge to Gomez and the DPWH is clear: transparency, not theatrics, must lead to disaster mitigation.
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