Billions Lost to Anomalous Ghost Flood Control Projects
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto revealed that anomalous ghost flood control projects have drained the Philippine economy of up to P118.5 billion from 2023 to 2025. This alarming figure was shared during a Senate panel on finance meeting with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) concerning the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for the upcoming year.
Officials reported that the Department of Finance strongly condemns these irregularities. Recto emphasized that raising government revenues is a serious matter, yet some funds have been misallocated, failing to benefit the public.
Ghost Projects Undermine Public Welfare
“Tapos makikita mo lang na hindi ito napupunta sa mga tamang proyekto at sa kapakanan ng taong bayan, yung iba naging multo pa,” Recto said. (And then you’ll see that it doesn’t go to the right projects that would help the people. Some of it even becomes ghost projects.)
Community members explained that these ghost projects have caused the economy to lose between P42.3 billion and P118.5 billion pesos during the 2023 to 2025 period. The magnitude of this loss has significant ripple effects on employment and public services.
Job Losses and Economic Impact
Recto highlighted the human cost of these anomalies, estimating that between 95,000 to 266,000 jobs could have been created if the funds were properly allocated. Local leaders noted this setback hits especially hard for vulnerable Filipinos who rely on government projects for livelihood opportunities.
Because of these concerns, the Department of Finance fully supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify scrutiny over the national budget to prevent waste and corruption.
Ensuring Accountability in 2026 Budget
“We prepared the NEP with the President to ensure that the projects to be funded in 2026 have the highest multiplier effect. Walang ghost project dapat, walang korapsyon, walang sayang na piso,” Recto stated. (We prepared the NEP with the President to ensure that the projects to be funded in 2026 have the highest multiplier effect. There should be no ghost project, no corruption, no peso wasted.)
Officials reported that this approach aims to maximize the impact of government spending by prioritizing legitimate projects that bring real benefits to citizens.
President Marcos’ Firm Stance Against Corruption
President Marcos Jr. himself has issued a stern warning to those involved in anomalous flood control deals. Community members said the President made it clear that his administration will not tolerate any form of corruption, and there will be no exceptions—no allies or adversaries—in the crackdown on questionable flood control projects.
This strong stance underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and proper use of public funds, especially in critical infrastructure programs aimed at protecting communities from flooding.
For more news and updates on anomalous ghost flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
