'Explain ghost projects': Marcos tells Discaya-linked firm
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. blasted the Discaya-linked St. Timothy Construction Corp. for seemingly abandoning its half-baked flood projects in Bulacan, calling them “ghost projects.”
Marcos appears to be on a mission: to sniff out erring contractors for flood projects, which includes the Discaya-linked firm.
After dropping the names of the top-earning contractors for flood control, Marcos inspected two different projects in Bulacan: the River Protection Structure in Barangay Bulusan and Flood Mitigation Structure in Barangay Frances.
Both projects are from St. Timothy Construction Corp., one of the top-earning contractors in Marcos’ list.
To his surprise, Marcos found a near-overflowing river when he inspected the first project. He also saw unfinished flood control structures spanning 200 meters. Dikes that were supposed to control water flow also had gaps in them.
Speaking to the media, an irritated Marcos said “pambihira naman!” (Unbelievable!)
Marcos said the official documents tagged the flood control projects as already being finished, yet he did not see a functioning structure.
“Let us see. They need to answer why their work is like this. It is better if they go here to see the difficult lives they gave to our people here,” Marcos said in Filipino.
“Parang ghost project…” Marcos said. (It’s like a ghost project).
Marcos also said that divers were sent to check the bottom of the structure and they saw that the cement used was thin, making it vulnerable to breaking down.
“What possible excuse do they have for not doing this?” Marcos said.
Data from Marcos’ flood control projects website showed that the Discaya-lead River Protection Structure, which was supposedly completed in February 2023, cost a hefty P96.49 million.
Marcos encouraged people to keep using the new website that lists contractors.
Several local executives have criticized the Discaya family’s construction firms.
The first was Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, who ran and won against businesswoman Sara Discaya in the 2025 mayoral race. Her husband, Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II, manages St. Timothy Construction Corp.
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has also called out the Discaya firms.
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