Overview: Ghost Flood Control Projects Surface Nationwide
In a sweeping disclosure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed that at least 421 ghost flood control projects have been uncovered nationwide. The revelations came during a press briefing by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday, October 9, following the validation of approximately 8,000 DPWH projects. The probe involved close coordination with the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.
Scope and Location
Dizon did not provide the total value or funding period for the ghost projects, but he noted that most were located in Luzon. The discovery aligns with ongoing congressional probes and high-profile inspections of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in August, which have flagged non-existent flood control works in Bulacan. The Commission on Audit (COA) has also submitted fraud audit results to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), highlighting anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.
ICIs Recommendations and Response
In response to these findings, the ICI recommended substantive changes in how civil works are approved and funded. Specifically, the commission urged DPWH to reduce the spending authority of its regional and district offices for civil works projects. Current rules allow regional offices to approve projects up to ₱400 million and district offices up to ₱150 million. The ICI proposes decreasing these caps to ₱200 million and ₱75 million, respectively.
The recommendation, dated October 4 and made public on October 9, reflects growing concerns about oversight gaps within DPWH regional and district offices. It follows scrutiny of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, which has faced allegations of collusion among district engineers, politicians, and contractors.
Historical Context and Key Players
Last year, changes in procurement authority for civil works marked a shift in the department’s framework. In 2022, under then-DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, the department expanded procurement powers for regional and district offices. Before Bonoan’s directive, district offices could approve projects up to ₱100 million, while regional offices were limited to ₱300 million. The latest discussions about authority levels come amid concerns that looser rules can enable irregularities and ghost projects to slip through the cracks.
Implications for Governance
Experts say the uncovering of ghost flood control projects is a bellwether for broader governance reform. The recurrence of non-existent or substandard projects not only drains public funds but also undermines public trust in essential infrastructure programs. The ICI’s proposed scoring of spending limits aims to tighten oversight at the point of project approval, ensuring that civil works reflect real needs and rigorous verification processes.
What’s Next for Investigations
With the ICI recommendations in hand, legislative and executive branches are expected to intensify the review of DPWH project validation, procurement, and execution. Congressional probes, ongoing audits, and potential reforms could reshape how flood control infrastructure is planned, funded, and monitored across the country.
Takeaway for the Public
As investigations widen, residents in flood-prone areas are reminded of the importance of transparent reporting and accountability. The government’s focus on rooting out ghost projects aims to safeguard taxpayer money and ensure actual, safe flood control measures reach affected communities.
