Local Leaders Uninformed About Flood Control Project
In Baliwag, Bulacan, local officials admitted on Wednesday that they were completely unaware of the flood control projects underway in their city. This includes the controversial project in Barangay Piel, which President Marcos recently labeled a “ghost project.”
During an inspection, authorities discovered that the supposed reinforced concrete river wall in Purok 4, Barangay Piel, declared fully completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in June, was nowhere to be found. The President was dismayed to see that no structure had been built at the site.
Vice Mayor Expresses Surprise Over Ghost Project
Vice Mayor Ferdie Estrella shared that they only learned about the P55.7-million flood control project when the President personally inspected the area. “We were surprised to learn about the supposed project only when the President inspected it himself,” Estrella said. He emphasized that the local government was never consulted or informed about the project’s implementation.
Local leaders noted that the absence of any construction has left residents vulnerable to flooding, which the project was meant to address.
President Marcos Orders Accountability
Visibly frustrated during his visit, President Marcos ordered that charges be filed against those responsible for the ghost flood control project. “There is nothing there—not a single hollow block or cement. Flooding continues because no flood control project was built,” the President stated.
He added that if these projects had been properly executed, residents would have been spared from persistent floods, and farmers could have benefited from improved irrigation.
Community Impact and Next Steps
Officials reported that the lack of flood control structures has continued to affect the community adversely. Flooding remains a critical issue, impacting livelihoods and safety in the area. The revelation of the ghost project has raised questions about transparency and project monitoring in local government initiatives.
Local leaders and community members are now calling for a thorough investigation to ensure that public funds are used correctly and that future projects are properly coordinated with local authorities.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
