DPWH Flags 421 ‘Ghost’ Flood Control Works Nationwide

At least 421 flood control projects across the Philippines were found to be “ghost projects” following an inspection of 8,000 sites nationwide, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon announced on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference after meeting with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in Taguig City, Dizon revealed that the discovery was the result of a multi-agency inspection led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The review was conducted in coordination with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Initially, 8,000 projects nationwide were validated, and of these, 421 were identified as ghost projects by the AFP, PNP, and NEDA (now DepDev),” Dizon said in Filipino, emphasizing that the data was current as of October 6.

The public works chief noted that the validation process is ongoing, as thousands more infrastructure projects still need to be examined. “This is just the initial phase, because there are so many. Hundreds of thousands of these projects still need to be validated,” he added.

According to Dizon, the identified ghost projects are distributed across various regions, with a large concentration in Luzon. However, he has yet to disclose the total value of these questionable projects or the specific contractors involved.

When asked whether the firms behind the 421 ghost projects are being investigated, Dizon confirmed that they are part of the ongoing probe. “They are included, but there are others as well. There are many of them,” he said.

The findings have drawn the attention of the ICI, which was established to oversee and ensure transparency in major public infrastructure initiatives. ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka described the DPWH’s report as a crucial development in their investigation.

“The direction provided by this data and information is significant, and we will look into it. If there are districts or regions we can review, we will visit them,” Hosaka said.

He emphasized that the commission’s investigation is gaining traction, thanks to the initial findings from the DPWH.

“As we move forward, we are gaining momentum. This process is accelerating. With the 421 ghost projects identified, it will make things easier,” he noted.

Hosaka also announced that the ICI’s newly appointed Special Adviser and Investigator, former PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr., will personally lead inspections of flood control sites across the country.

“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 explained.

“Definitely, this is significant. We now have a starting point,” he added.

The revelation of hundreds of ghost projects underscores the government’s ongoing struggle against corruption and inefficiency in public infrastructure spending.

The DPWH and ICI are expected to continue their audit efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.