President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. slams a ₱260-million Benguet road project as “useless” after it failed to protect Kennon Road. Contractors tied to Marcos’ party may face a corruption probe.
Marcos Calls Benguet Road Project a Waste of ₱260 Million
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has once again voiced his frustration over questionable government projects, this time criticizing a ₱260-million Benguet road project that failed to deliver its purpose.
The president inspected the site on Sunday, joined by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan, and DPWH officials. The project, a rock shed along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, was meant to protect motorists from rockfalls and landslides. Instead, it collapsed and became what Marcos called “useless.”
Kennon Road Closure and Its Impact
Kennon Road, a vital route linking Baguio City and La Union, has been shut down due to safety hazards caused by falling rocks.
Economic Impact of Kennon Road Closure
The closure has forced motorists and tourists to use alternate routes such as Marcos Highway and Asin-Nangalisan-San Pascual-La Union Road. Local officials estimate that the shutdown has caused up to 35% economic losses for residents and businesses in Tuba.
Farmers and transport operators face higher costs in moving goods, while tourism in Baguio suffers due to limited access.
Marcos stressed that the problem goes beyond infrastructure failure.
“It’s not only the physical damage you can see. It is also the damage to the economy. It is also the damage to the people’s livelihood,” he said.
A ₱260-Million Benguet Road Project Gone to Waste
During the inspection of the Benguet road project, Marcos was blunt in his assessment of the structure.
“This ₱260-million Benguet road project is useless. Parang tinapon lang ang pera sa ilog. Useless,” the President said.
Costly Repairs Ahead
He estimated that repairs to the Benguet road project may cost up to ₱500 million, nearly double the original budget.
The failed project is just one of several controversial flood control structures that Marcos has visited in recent months, raising questions about government oversight and accountability.
Political Ties of Contractor
The project was awarded to 3K Rock Engineering, a private firm led by Engineer Francis Cuyop.
Who is Francis Cuyop?
Cuyop, 56, ran for congressman in Ifugao in the May 2025 elections under Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), but lost to lawyer Solomon Chungalao. His party nomination papers were signed by PFP president Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.
Despite losing in politics, Cuyop’s firm secured numerous government contracts. DPWH records show that 3K Rock cornered 43 projects worth ₱1.55 billion from 2018 to 2023, including 12 done in partnership with other contractors.
Marcos: “No Allies or Enemies”
President Marcos emphasized that political affiliation will not shield anyone from accountability.
“There will be no allies or enemies here. Those involved in anomalous projects will face consequences,” he warned.
Rock Netting Project Under Fire
Aside from the rock shed, Marcos also inspected a ₱114.18-million “rock netting” project along Kennon Road in Sitio Camp 5.
Questionable Design and Costs
The Benguet road project was intended to stabilize rock formations through a 3,479-square meter mesh system, completed in 2019. But Marcos pointed out that rock netting projects had been banned due to corruption issues—yet they continued to be implemented.
“This rock netting is very notorious for corruption. Rock netting has already been banned, but it kept being implemented,” Marcos said.
He also raised concerns about possible overpricing of construction materials.
Marcos’ Crackdown on Anomalous Projects
The President has made surprise inspections a regular part of his campaign against corruption in infrastructure.
Economic Sabotage Charges Possible
Marcos warned that officials and contractors involved in anomalous projects could be charged with economic sabotage, a non-bailable offense punishable by life imprisonment.
“If there’s one thing I promise, I will not leave this office until the government fixes this issue,” Marcos declared.
Looking Ahead: Marcos’ Promise
The Benguet controversy adds to growing concerns over how public funds are being spent on flood control and road safety projects.
Restoring Accountability
Marcos vowed that in his last three years in office, the government will strengthen project monitoring, review the bidding process, and ensure that taxpayers’ money is not wasted.
“We cannot allow projects like these to continue. Ang kalaban natin dito ay hindi lang katiwalian, kundi ang pag-abuso sa pondo ng taong bayan,” Marcos said.
For now, residents of Benguet are hoping that beyond words, the government will prioritize repairing Kennon Road and holding those accountable for failed projects.
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