MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) admitted the likely presence of ghost projects, particularly in the province of Bulacan.
On the Senate’s opening day of probing the country’s flood management system, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada questioned DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Estrada asked Bonoan directly: Are there ghost flood projects?
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To which Bonoan replied: “In all honesty, Your Honor, I think so.”
Bonoan said that he has also received more information from within his agency that there are ghost projects.
Estrada then asked about alleged ghost projects in Calumpit, Malolos and Hagonoy in Bulacan, which Bonoan also confirmed.
One of the contractors of these projects was Wawao Builders, one of the 15 contractors who cornered a huge chunk of the country’s flood management projects. The manager of Wawao Builders failed to attend the Senate briefing and has been subpoenaed, alongside other no-show contractors.
Asked for the worth of the flood control contracts awarded to Wawao, Bonoan said that they have P5.971 billion in Bulacan alone.
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta pointed out that nationwide, Wawao was awarded P9 billion in contracts.
Bonoan said he has “relieved” the entire regional district office in Bulacan.
The DPWH is currently in the process of validating the projects under several district offices, the DPWH chief said. A probe is ongoing and the results should come out in a few weeks.
“They will be coming up with their financial and physical report in one week time, your honor,” Bonoan said.
Charges will be filed when necessary, Bonoan said.
However, Estrada pointed out that the charges have arrived late: these contractors were already paid.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has unveiled the preliminary findings on the country's poor flood management systems. Around P545 billion has been spent on flood control since 2022, but around P100 billion of this budget was cornered by 15 contractors.