The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has confirmed the possibility of “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan, amid an ongoing Senate investigation into alleged anomalies in infrastructure spending. During a recent Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted that the agency is validating reports that some projects may have been funded but never actually implemented. “In all honesty, Your Honor, I think so,” Bonoan responded when pressed about the existence of such projects.
Lawmakers expressed alarm upon discovering that Wawao Builders, a single contractor, was allegedly awarded around PHP 6 billion worth of flood control projects in the province. This raised questions about the transparency of the bidding process and whether these projects actually exist on the ground. The revelation sparked public outrage and calls for tighter oversight on government infrastructure spending.
Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Erwin Tulfo, and Rodante Marcoleta were among those who condemned the DPWH’s oversight. Tulfo called the flood control program a “giant money-making scheme,” citing alleged kickbacks and collusion between engineers and contractors. Senator Marcoleta warned of a possible “systemic failure” within the department and urged a nationwide review of all similar infrastructure contracts. Estrada, meanwhile, berated DPWH officials for their lack of transparency and demanded immediate answers.
In response, Secretary Bonoan announced a reshuffling of several long-serving district engineers in Bulacan, noting that extended assignments in one area may have allowed improper relationships to form between officials and contractors. He also pledged to submit a comprehensive report detailing the financial and physical status of the questioned projects within one week.
As the controversy escalates, the Commission on Audit (COA) has launched a parallel fraud audit in the province. Lawmakers and watchdog groups hope the findings will expose the full extent of the alleged corruption and lead to stricter reforms in the implementation and monitoring of public infrastructure projects. Cali Demi
