DPWH exposes 421 ‘ghost flood projects’, sparks nationwide audit

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has uncovered 421 “ghost” flood control projects across the country after auditing around 8,000 public works, in what officials described as one of the biggest red flags in the Marcos administration’s anti-graft campaign.

During a press briefing at the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) office in Taguig on October 8, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the finding stemmed from joint inspections conducted by the DPWH, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Out of the 8,000, ang na-validate na ghost ng AFP, DND at NEDA ay 421,” Dizon said.

He added that the inspection was only the beginning as for him, there are still many projects that in need of validation.

Probe gains traction

Dizon claims that although there is a significant concentration of ghost projects in Luzon, they are dispersed throughout Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon.  

According to him, since these initiatives were not implemented, it would be simpler to prove liability and bring legal action.

Officials said the ICI, formed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to review irregularities in public infrastructure, is now mapping a nationwide validation plan based on the DPWH findings.

“The direction provided by this data and information is significant, and we will look into it,” said ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka.

Ex-PNP chief leading inspections

The ICI has tapped former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as special adviser and investigator. Hosaka said Azurin will personally inspect the flood control sites identified as ghost projects.

“These projects have already been validated, so that is significant. But it doesn’t prevent the general from inspecting them personally to ensure accuracy,” Hosaka said.

The information, according to the commission, will enable it to expedite investigations and work with law enforcement to coordinate possible case accumulation.

Admin tightens oversight

After President Marcos brought up the matter in his State of the Nation Address last July, months of congressional and administrative investigations into purported ghost flood control projects ensued, culminating in the revelation.

A kickback scheme involving DPWH officials and several lawmakers later emerged, prompting sweeping audits.

Hosaka said the ICI is also reviewing procurement thresholds to reduce fund misuse. 

“At present, the district level has a P150-million limit for civil works procurement, while the regional level holds a P400-million threshold,” he said.