Senate Probes Ghost Flood Control Projects
During a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on September 1, 2025, contractors faced tough scrutiny regarding alleged ghost flood control projects. The exact four word keyphrase “ghost flood control projects” was central to the inquiry as officials sought clarity on the involvement of construction firms in questionable contracts.
Mark Allan Arevalo, General Manager of Wawao Builders, drew sharp criticism from senators after he refused to directly answer whether his company was linked to ghost flood control projects. His silence and eventual invocation of the right against self-incrimination raised concerns among lawmakers.
Senate Majority Leader’s Direct Questioning
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva led the questioning, first asking St. Timothy Construction Corporation’s owner Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando if her firm had any ghost flood control projects in Bulacan. Rimando promptly denied any such involvement.
Villanueva then turned to Wawao Builders, demanding a simple yes or no. Arevalo’s initial silence frustrated the senator, who emphasized the straightforward nature of the question. After a pause, Arevalo stated he was exercising his legal right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.
Senate President Pro Tempore Challenges Silence
Jinggoy Estrada, Senate President Pro Tempore, pressed Arevalo to clarify his response. Estrada expressed disbelief that such a simple question could be met with silence, reminding Arevalo of previous confirmations that ghost projects indeed exist.
Arevalo explained in Filipino that his lawyers advised against answering questions that might be used against him in potential legal proceedings. Estrada interrupted, urging a direct response: “Do you have any ghost projects by Wawao Builders?”
Verification and Disappointment
Later in the hearing, Arevalo mentioned that Wawao Builders was still verifying if they had any ghost projects. This evasive stance disappointed Villanueva, who remarked, “You are strange. You are answering that way on the ghost project. It’s like you were asked if you are a human being. Don’t you know if you are a human being?”
Background on Ghost Flood Control Projects in Bulacan
At a previous hearing on August 19, Estrada revealed information about ghost flood control projects in several Bulacan municipalities. Then Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed ongoing investigations into these allegations.
Estrada identified Wawao Builders as the contractor linked to these ghost projects. The firm is among 15 contractors named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as major recipients of government flood control contracts.
In Bulacan alone, Wawao Builders reportedly secured 85 projects worth around five billion pesos, according to community members familiar with the matter.
Senate Panel Holds Contractors Accountable
The Senate blue ribbon committee also cited owners of St. Timothy Construction and Topnotch Builders for contempt after they skipped the hearing. The panel remains determined to uncover the truth behind these ghost flood control projects.
Officials stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects to prevent misuse of public funds and ensure effective flood control measures.
For more news and updates on ghost flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
