Allegations of Ghost Projects in Las Piñas Surface
Las Piñas is at the center of controversy as reports reveal that sixteen out of the 61 projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) slated for 2025 are alleged ghost projects. Local officials raised concerns about these unfinished works, describing them as a blatant misuse of public funds and a betrayal of the public’s trust.
Sources confirmed that the DPWH Undersecretary for Technical Services, Ador Canlas, acknowledged the allocation of P416 million for these 61 projects, which include eight flood control initiatives. However, community members expressed alarm over the fact that many of these contracts were awarded to just four or five contractors, suspected to be relatives or political allies.
Contractors Linked to Political Ties
Among the contractors implicated are Zero One Construction and I&E Construction Corp. Community leaders pointed out that I&E Construction Corp. is led by Carlo Aguilar, nephew of former senator Cynthia Villar. This connection has raised questions about favoritism in the bidding process.
Concerns also focus on the DPWH’s continued prioritization of the C-5 Road Extension, which receives the largest budget share despite reportedly having no completed projects to date. “In the past year, the national government has borrowed and spent billions of pesos on four major projects along and around the C-5 Extension Road. Yet, to this day, funds continue to be released — money that ordinary taxpayers like Juan de la Cruz are forced to shoulder,” a local leader lamented.
Detailed Examination of Alleged Ghost Projects
One highlighted ghost project is the P65.4-million rehabilitation of the C-5 Road Extension in Barangay Manuyo Dos. Awarded to Zero One Construction and Trading Inc./Omnicon Builders under the DPWH Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office, records show zero progress despite the project’s scheduled start and completion dates between February and April 2025.
Another project attracting scrutiny is the P94 million C-5 Diversion Road contract given to I&E Construction Inc. Officials reported a 40.87 percent slippage from the planned timeline spanning February to October 2025.
Additionally, a P28.9-million multi-purpose building construction in Barangay Talon 1, contracted to Zero One Construction, remains unfinished with zero accomplishment as of the current date, although the contract period was from January to August 2025.
Abandoned and Stalled Projects Raise Red Flags
Community members also revealed that the P7.8 million rehabilitation of a multi-purpose building in Barangay Pamplona 3 was abandoned by Zero One Construction. The project saw no progress from January through May 2025 and was overseen by the dismissed District Engineer Isabelo Baleros.
Furthermore, the P114.9-million by-pass and diversion project along the Alabang-Zapote Diversion Road awarded to I&E Construction Corp. has barely moved, with only a 0.50 percent accomplishment rate reported.
Calls for Accountability and Investigation
In light of these findings, local leaders have urged the Commission on Audit to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable for negligence and potential corruption.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno recently called for a House probe into the alleged ghost flood control projects under the 2025 national budget. He also questioned the Department of Budget and Management’s role in releasing public funds.
These concerns come after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed that only 15 out of 2,409 accredited contractors received major flood control contracts. Senator Panfilo Lacson also highlighted mechanisms used by officials and contractors to divert public funds during a recent privilege speech.
For more news and updates on DPWH projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
