The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed on Thursday that 421 flood control projects across the country have been confirmed as “ghost projects” following an extensive inspection of 8,000 projects.
According to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, the inspection was jointly conducted by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Initially, 8,000 projects all over the country were validated. And out of the 8,000, ang na-validate na ‘ghosts’ ng AFP, PNP, [DEPDev] ay 421,” Dizon said, noting that more projects are still set for inspection in the coming days.
He added that the findings have already been turned over to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for further action.
While the “ghost” projects were discovered across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Dizon disclosed that the highest number of such cases was recorded in Luzon. Some of the contractors involved were reportedly identified in previous investigations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“Madaling establish ‘yung accountability at liability kasi ‘ghost’ nga. Hindi na mahaba ‘yung case build-up nu’n. Hopefully mas mabilis tayo makapag-file ng kaso,” Dizon assured.
ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka welcomed the DPWH’s findings, emphasizing that the data would greatly assist in their own probe.
“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.
The discovery marks a major breakthrough in the government’s ongoing campaign to expose and prosecute those behind the multibillion-peso flood control scam.