Ghost Flood Control Project Found in Bulacan
MANILA, Philippines — The P96.5-million ghost flood control project in Brgy. Sipat, Plaridel, Bulacan, has sparked outrage after new findings revealed its troubling status. Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon described the situation bluntly: “Pinipilit buhayin yung patay.” (They’re trying to revive the dead.) This exact phrase captures the essence of the controversy surrounding the flood control project that was supposedly completed but visibly inactive.
According to officials monitoring the project, the flood control initiative was awarded to Wawao Builders and declared finished in June 2024. However, an inspection led by Secretary Dizon, through Barangay Captain Oscar Gabriel, revealed that actual construction only began three weeks prior, raising serious questions about the project’s legitimacy.
Discrepancies in Project Timeline and Payments
Data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed that the contract started in March 2024, with a planned duration of 270 days. Despite this, Wawao Builders was already paid in July 2024. “I call this trying to revive the dead,” Dizon said in an interview. “The DPWH said that this was 100% completed last year, but construction only began recently. This is truly a ghost project.”
Community members noted that the contractor only recently made a courtesy visit to barangay officials, failing to present any official documentation related to the project. Furthermore, the subcontractor hired was new to the site, and local leaders emphasized that the subcontractor should not be blamed as he was simply fulfilling assigned duties.
Contractor’s Silence Amid Senate Investigation
Wawao Builders is among the top 15 contractors awarded major flood control contracts from July 2022 to May 2025, a fact highlighted by government sources. The company’s General Manager, Mark Allan Arevalo, attended a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing investigating anomalies in flood control projects. When questioned about ghost projects, Arevalo neither confirmed nor denied, invoking his right against self-incrimination.
Accountability and Punitive Actions Announced
Secretary Dizon pointed fingers at Wawao Builders and its owners, stressing that they must be held accountable. He also criticized those within DPWH who approved the project. Specifically, former Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara, Chief of the Construction Section Jaypee Mendoza, and Assistant District Engineer Brice Fernandez were named as responsible parties.
Dizon announced that Alcantara has been dismissed from service effective immediately, while the dismissals of Mendoza and Fernandez are underway. He further revealed plans to request the DPWH legal team to file charges against them with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Moreover, Dizon declared intentions to impose a lifetime blacklist on Wawao Builders and Syms Constructions Trading, both allegedly involved in ghost flood control projects. Charges will also be recommended for filing with the Department of Justice against these firms.
Strong Warning to Other Contractors
In closing, Secretary Dizon issued a stern warning to other contractors potentially engaged in ghost projects. “We will not stop, and we will find all of them,” he said. “We will also do to others what we did to the DE, assistant DE, engineer in the DPWH, and contractors.” This firm stance signals a rigorous crackdown on corruption and misuse of public funds in infrastructure projects.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
