Marcos Inspects Damaged ₱264-M Rock Shed in Benguet, Calls Project “Useless”

In Photo: (Upper left photo) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. points to the installed rock netting on the steep slopes of Camp 3, which he said had been marred by corruption, as Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong listens during the Chief Executive’s surprise inspection in Tuba, Benguet. Photo courtesy RTVM Presidential Broadcast

TUBA, Benguet, (August 24, 2025) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally inspected the ₱264-million rock shed project in Camp 6, Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet, following its collapse during Typhoon Emong in July 2025.

Marcos denounced the project as “useless,” citing the absence of slope protection, rock netting, and other structural safeguards intended to prevent landslides. “It’s as if the money was just thrown into the river,” he stated

Implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways, Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH-CAR), the rock shed—costing ₱264.19 million—was awarded to 3K Rock Engineering under the 2022 national budget. Construction began on January 10, 2023, and was marked as complete on April 13, 2025

President Marcos emphasized that the slope protection quickly disintegrated and failed to prevent soil collapse and rockfall. He estimated that reconstructing the structure could cost at least ₱500 million—double the original amount.

The President directed DPWH-CAR to review the project and assured that the contractor and supervising engineers will be held accountable. He underscored the necessity of properly incorporating engineering solutions such as reinforced slope protection and rock netting to ensure the structure’s effectiveness.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan conducted a follow-up inspection on August 25, walking through the damaged approach area and descending to the Bued River to assess the foundation erosion. He confirmed that while the rock shed itself remains structurally intact, the approach road and crib wall—an older slope protection component not included in the latest rehabilitation—suffered damage

Marcos said the failures at the site represent more than physical damage—they caused economic losses, with local governments estimating up to 35% of residents’ livelihoods disrupted due to road closures.

He also criticized past rock-netting projects, calling them “notorious for corruption,” with allegations that supposedly low-cost materials (worth ₱3,200) were billed to the government at four times the price, resulting in significant kickbacks.

Marcos reiterated his vow to pursue legal action against those involved, including potential charges of economic sabotage. He reaffirmed his commitment to complete the rehabilitation and to safeguard motorists and local communities who depend on Kennon Road. ###