Public Works Official Calls for Accountability Amid Ghost Flood Projects
Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon strongly urged Wawao Builders General Manager Mark Allan Arevalo to turn himself in following allegations of ghost flood control projects nationwide. The call came after Arevalo’s recent appearance before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is investigating irregularities involving flood control contracts.
Secretary Dizon emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation in resolving the issue. “If I were Mr. Arevalo, my advice for him: I should just turn myself in right now. Instead of being jailed when it seems that he is just [a dummy],” he said in Filipino during an interview with reporters. The exact four word keyphrase “ghost flood control projects” was central to the inquiry and Dizon’s statements.
Senate Hearing Raises Questions on Contractor’s Role
During the Senate investigation, Arevalo repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination when asked whether his company was involved in ghost flood control projects. He neither confirmed nor denied the accusations, raising suspicions among lawmakers and officials following the hearing. Sources involved in the probe noted that this silence only deepened concerns about the firm’s legitimacy.
Secretary Dizon remarked, “Well, if you watched the Senate hearing, what do you think? Of course we will have to determine that, along with the investigation of the Ombudsman, DOJ, and the independent commission that the President is forming.” This multi-agency approach aims to uncover the truth behind the ghost flood control projects and hold those responsible accountable.
Lifetime Blacklisting of Wawao Builders and Syms Construction
In a decisive move, Dizon announced plans to impose a lifetime ban on Wawao Builders and Syms Construction Trading from participating in any future Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects. This action stems from evidence linking these companies to the alleged ghost flood control projects, which have undermined public trust and government resources.
Local officials reported that Wawao Builders is among the top 15 contractors identified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as recipients of major flood control contracts from July 2022 to May 2025. Notably, in Bulacan alone, Wawao Builders holds 85 projects valued at approximately P5 billion, raising questions about the scale of potential irregularities.
Inspection Reveals Delayed Flood Control Project in Bulacan
On the same day, Secretary Dizon personally inspected a P96.5-million flood control project in Barangay Sipat, Plaridel, Bulacan. The project was labeled a ghost flood control project after discovery that construction only began three weeks prior, despite being marked as completed in June 2024 on official records.
Community members expressed frustration over the discrepancies, pointing out the wasted public funds and delayed benefits. The Sumbong sa Pangulo website indicated that the project had been awarded to Wawao Builders, fueling further scrutiny of the company’s operations nationwide.
Moving Forward: Government’s Commitment to Transparency
Officials noted that the ongoing investigations by the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, and the President’s independent commission will be critical in addressing the ghost flood control projects issue. Secretary Dizon’s firm stance sends a clear message that the government will not tolerate corruption or misuse of public funds in vital infrastructure projects.
As the probe continues, stakeholders and citizens alike await accountability and reforms to prevent similar cases in the future. The commitment to transparency and justice remains a top priority for the government in safeguarding public welfare.
For more news and updates on ghost flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
