Cebu Representative Denies Viral P7 Billion Flood Control Allegations
AMID circulating online claims linking her office to P7 billion worth of flood-control projects, Cebu's sixth district Representative Daphne Lagon has strongly refuted these allegations as inaccurate and misleading. The controversy emerged in November 2025 regarding infrastructure funding in her constituency.
Clarifying Congressional Role in Infrastructure
In an official statement released on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Lagon explained that congressional offices do not implement infrastructure projects. She emphasized that all flood-control and infrastructure planning, funding, and execution fall under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) jurisdiction.
"In these past few days, I have seen posts and claims circulating online regarding supposed P7-billion flood-control projects in the 6th District," Lagon stated. "I understand why many people have questions, and I believe you deserve clarity, not noise, not speculation, and not confusion."
The congresswoman clarified that her district's role remains limited to endorsing local requests, while technical responsibilities including engineering design, costing, and implementation properly belong to DPWH.
Actual Infrastructure Funding and Project History
Lagon revealed that her district receives an average of P1.3 billion annually for all infrastructure developments. This budget covers various projects including roads, bridges, street lighting, public buildings, school facilities, and flood-mitigation works.
She further explained that certain flood control projects mentioned in online claims began before her tenure. Some represent continuing funds from previous administrations, while others were implemented directly by DPWH through regional or national programs without her office's involvement.
Historical context shows that Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon served as Cebu's 6th District representative from 2019 to 2022, while Lagon began her term on June 30, 2022.
Commitment to Transparency and Public Accountability
Lagon reaffirmed her office's continuous coordination with DPWH and local government units to monitor project progress and ensure compliance with standards. She stressed her commitment to transparency and accountability in serving the 6th District, emphasizing the importance of fact-based information verified by proper agencies.
The congresswoman called on the public to seek verified information and prioritize initiatives that effectively support affected communities. She appealed to media practitioners, online platforms, and content creators to report accurately and fairly to prevent undue reputational harm.
Lagon's office continues to work with implementing agencies to ensure that infrastructure projects meet community needs while maintaining proper governance standards.
