By By: Julrod Prino
ILOILO CITY — The Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Phase II (JRMP II), a flagship infrastructure project in Western Visayas, has come under renewed scrutiny as its budget has surged to Php 20.09 billion ($361.6 million) — nearly double the Php 11.2 billion first proposed over a decade ago.1
Documents show that Php 8.54 billion ($153.7 million), or 42.48 percent of the budget, came from Philippine government allocations, while Php 11.56 billion ($208.1 million), or 57.52 percent, is covered by a loan from South Korea. The current loan already exceeds the Php 8.96 billion package approved in 2012.
What has raised eyebrows among watchdogs and civil society groups is the sudden appearance of Php 7.088 billion ($127.6 million) in unprogrammed funds in 2024. As of March that year, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) records showed no releases under this category. By June, however, billions had been infused, including Php 5 billion through Special Provision No. 7 and Php 450 million from calamity funds.2
“Upon scrutiny, JRMP II was not reflected under unprogrammed funds in the 2024 GAA. Furthermore, unprogrammed funds in the 2024 GAA ballooned from the proposed National Expenditure Program of only eight items worth Php 281.9 billion to over 40 items totaling Php 731.4 billion after congressional insertions. Where did these funds come from, and why were they inserted outside the regular budget process?” the Jalaur River for the People Movement (JRPM) said in a statement.
The group warned that the opaque use of unprogrammed funds — lump-sum allocations that have historically been criticized for weak accountability — poses “serious red flags” in the management of public money.
Earlier this year, NIA opened to local contractors the construction of the remaining 65-kilometer highline canals, a move that JRPM called “smells fishy”, especially in the wake of infrastructure scams and flood control controversies that have long hounded government projects.
JRMP II spokesperson Steve Cordero, however, clarified that “the cost of constructing the three dams is almost equivalent to that of the highline canal and the rest of the irrigation components.” He explained that the canal project was divided into 13 contract packages and awarded in tranches to local contractors with “Triple A” licenses. “We multiplied the contractors because the smaller the coverage, the faster it will end,” Cordero said.3
NIA has yet to name the local contractors.
With completion now pushed back to 2027, JRPM worries that further budget increases and fund reallocations may be on the horizon. “How much more will the people be forced to pay?” JRPM asked.
It can be noted that earlier this month, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered the suspension of a 700 billion won (US$503 million) loan to the Philippines amid concerns over corruption.
Beyond fiscal issues, JRPM stressed that the dam has already disrupted the lives of indigenous Tumandok communities. Residents reported loss of ancestral land and livelihoods, while rights advocates argue that the process fell short of genuine free, prior, and informed consent.
They also warned of heightened flooding risks once the dams become operational. “Mega dams are known to worsen flooding,” the group said, citing past incidents where dam releases during heavy rains triggered widespread floods in other regions.
The group is calling for a full disclosure from NIA and relevant agencies regarding the sources, releases, and utilization of all funds tied to JRMP II. They also demand an independent review of the project, citing unresolved issues of transparency, indigenous rights, and environmental safety.
“The people deserve answers,” the group stressed. “Development cannot come at the expense of the people’s safety and lives. The ballooning JRMP II budget is the people’s money and it must be accounted for — before it is too late.”
