Senate Probes 60 Flood-Control Projects as Possible Ghost Projects
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 60 flood-control projects are now under intense investigation, as they appear to be “ghost projects,” Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Rodante Marcoleta revealed. The exact four-word keyphrase “flood-control projects ghost projects” was cited early in the probe.
During a recent Senate hearing, Marcoleta explained that the figure came from data provided by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and was cross-checked through prior committee hearings. “60 projects seem to appear to be exactly as described. There are a total of 60 flood control projects,” the senator said, referring to the suspicious projects.
Contractors Linked to Suspected Ghost Projects
The senator named several contractors who received flood-control projects that might be non-existent. These companies include:
- Silverwolves Construction Corporation — 15 projects
- Wawao Builders — 6 projects
- St. Timothy plus St. Matthew — 4 projects
- Unimax Steel — 4 projects
- Jagonbuild Construction Corporation — 3 projects
- SYMS Construction Trading — 3 projects
- M3 Konstract Corporation — 3 projects
- Darcy and Anna Builders Trading — 3 projects
- MG Samidan — 3 projects
Marcoleta also mentioned that several other unnamed contractors received one flood-control project each, contributing to the total of 60 suspicious projects.
Former DPWH Chief’s Response on Ghost Projects
The senator expressed disappointment over the lack of cooperation from former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Before Bonoan resigned, Marcoleta reached out via text to inquire about the alleged ghost projects.
“Unfortunately, to our disappointment, before Secretary Bonoan resigned, I texted him… Because he only gave us two,” Marcoleta said. The two projects identified were in Maycapiz-Taliptip River, Package B, Barangay Perez, Bulakan, Bulacan, and Barangay Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan.
Marcoleta added that Bonoan hinted at 15 projects “without structure,” raising further concerns about the legitimacy of these flood-control projects.
Clarification on the Status of Flood-Control Projects
Meanwhile, officials reported that Bonoan recently stated in a press briefing that out of approximately 1,600 validated flood control projects nationwide, 15 are considered “non-existent” or “missing.” However, he clarified these projects have yet to be officially classified as ghost projects.
This ongoing investigation highlights critical issues within flood-control projects ghost projects, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in government infrastructure programs.
For more news and updates on flood-control projects ghost projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
