Ghost Project Linked to Congressional Insertion
A controversial P96 million project in Plaridel, Bulacan, flagged as a ghost project, was reportedly inserted during the bicameral conference committee stage of the 2025 national budget. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon revealed that this insertion could have been made by either a senator or a House representative.
Ridon emphasized that the P96 million project, awarded to Wawao Builders, was not part of the National Expenditures Program (NEP) nor included in the House’s version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). “P96-M Wawao Builders project inspected and deemed ghost project by DPWH Sec Vince Dizon is a Congressional insertion in the bicameral conference committee,” Ridon stated. He added, “Not in the NEP. Not in the HGAB.”
Understanding the Budget Process and Insertion
The budget process begins with the executive branch submitting its proposed expenditures through the NEP to the House of Representatives. The House then reviews and adjusts the proposal, producing its version known as the House GAB. This version proceeds to the Senate for further deliberation.
When differences arise between the House and Senate versions, a bicameral conference committee convenes to reconcile these discrepancies and produce a unified budget proposal. It was during this critical stage that the P96 million project was reportedly inserted, bypassing earlier scrutiny.
Ongoing Investigation into Flood Control Projects
On Friday, Ridon confirmed that the infrastructure committee investigating questionable flood control projects has issued subpoenas to several individuals linked to companies involved in allegedly faulty or nonexistent construction programs. The subpoenaed include:
- Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya of Alpha & Omega General Construction
- Mark Arevalo from Wawao Builders Corp.
- Miguel Juntura representing St. Timothy Construction Corp.
- Eumir Villanueva of Topnotch Catalyst Builders
- Sally Santos from SYMS Construction Trading
The committee has scheduled its next hearing for Tuesday, September 9, as it continues to probe these projects.
Committees United in Probing Anomalies
Earlier last week, three House committees—the Committee on Public Accounts led by Ridon, Committee on Public Works, and Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability—launched a joint investigation into flood control projects. This coordinated effort aims to uncover irregularities and hold accountable those responsible.
Ridon assured the public that the investigation would pursue the truth relentlessly. “We will not spare anyone,” he said, even if the inquiry implicates members of Congress.
For more news and updates on Congressional insertion, visit Filipinokami.com.
