Overview: Thousands of DPWH Projects Under Scrutiny
In a wide-reaching effort to validate public works nationwide, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) disclosed that at least 421 ghost flood control projects have been identified across the Philippines. The announcement, made in a press conference by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon on October 9, comes after a comprehensive validation of roughly 8,000 DPWH projects. The effort was conducted in 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.
Where the Findings Point
Secretary Dizon noted that the majority of the ghost projects are located in Luzon. While he did not publicly reveal the total funding values or the specific timeframes of these projects, the disclosure aligns with ongoing congressional probes and recent ocular inspections of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in August that highlighted non-existent flood control works in Bulacan. The Commission on Audit has also submitted fraud audit reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), flagging alleged irregular flood control projects in Bulacan.
Implications for Public Spending
The ICI has issued a formal recommendation to the DPWH: reduce the spending authority granted to regional and district offices for civil works projects. Under current rules, DPWH regional offices may approve projects up to P400 million, but the ICI proposes cutting this cap to P200 million. For district engineering offices, the limit stands at P150 million; the ICI suggests lowering it to P75 million. The recommendation was addressed to the DPWH and released publicly on October 9, 2024.
Historical Context: Shifts in Authority
The backdrop to these recommendations includes a 2022 policy shift under then-DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan, which expanded procurement authority for civil works at both regional and district levels. Previously, district offices could approve up to P100 million, and regional offices up to P300 million. The current proposal from the ICI seeks to restore more stringent controls, aiming to curb potential anomalies in project approval and funding.
Corruption Concerns and Specific Localities
Rising concerns about corruption within DPWH district and regional offices have intensified scrutiny. In Bulacan, allegations of collusion among district engineers, politicians, and contractors have dominated public discourse. The Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office has faced particular scrutiny, with a former assistant district engineer alleging that projects listed from 2019 to 2025 were substandard. The ongoing investigations underscore the need for transparent project validation, rigorous oversight, and independent audits to safeguard public funds.
What Comes Next
As the ICI’s recommendations move through the proper channels, watchdog groups expect reforms to be implemented to strengthen internal controls, improve project validation processes, and enforce stricter accountability for civil works. The revelation of ghost flood control projects has implications beyond Bulacan, signaling a nationwide push to ensure that funds are used for real, verifiable infrastructure that protects communities from flooding.
Public Accountability and Citizen Impact
Officials have stressed the importance of accountability. For citizens, this means greater assurance that flood-control measures—critical for disaster resilience—are genuinely planned, funded, and executed. The ongoing reviews invite public participation, audits, and transparent reporting to restore trust in how flood control and other essential infrastructure are financed and delivered.
