Negligence in Flood Control Projects in Bulacan
Officials reported that a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer admitted to issuing completion certificates for ghost flood control projects in Bulacan without personally inspecting the sites. This revelation emerged during the first hearing of a House tri-committee investigating alleged irregularities in flood control projects nationwide.
The exact four word keyphrase, “ghost flood control projects,” was highlighted early as former Bulacan first district engineer Henry Alcantara acknowledged his negligence. Deputy Speaker and Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun questioned Alcantara about his responsibility, to which he candidly responded, “Yes, your Honor.” Community members noted the serious implications of these admissions on public trust and project integrity.
Details of Abandoned Projects and Payments
Among the projects signed off by Alcantara was a P55-million reinforced concrete river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag, awarded to SYMS Construction Trading. Local leaders revealed that despite payments totaling over P49 million by 2025, the site remained abandoned. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally inspected the river wall last August 20 and found no actual construction, expressing his dismay over the nonexistent project.
Alcantara told Manila Representative Joel Chua, co-chair of the panel, that he had simply presumed the submitted documents were regular without verifying the actual work. This prompted Chua to press him further, asking if he had inspected any projects personally. Alcantara admitted, “I do inspections, but not every single one,” citing the overwhelming volume of documents handled daily.
Other Substandard Projects Approved
Officials also disclosed that Alcantara approved other questionable projects, including a P94.6 million river protection structure in Bulusan, Calumpit, and a P74.6 million flood mitigation structure in Calumpit. Both projects were found to be substandard during inspections led by President Marcos. The river protection project was awarded to St. Timothy Construction Company, while the flood mitigation work was contracted to Wawao Builders.
Community reports identified St. Timothy Construction and Wawao Builders as among 15 contractors named by the President for securing the majority of the country’s flood control contracts. St. Timothy Construction is owned by Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, a contractor couple involved in multiple projects.
Suspension and Ongoing Investigations
Following these revelations, former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan ordered Alcantara’s suspension pending a thorough investigation. Officials emphasized the importance of accountability to prevent further misuse of public funds and ensure that flood control projects are completed properly to protect vulnerable communities.
Local leaders and community members expressed concern over the ghost flood control projects, urging stricter oversight and transparency in public infrastructure initiatives. The scandal sheds light on systemic issues within project monitoring and contractor selection that need urgent reform.
For more news and updates on ghost flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
