Ghost projects? DPWH confirms potential gaps in Bulacan flood work

National

COULD millions of pesos meant for flood control in Bulacan have disappeared into “ghost projects”? Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan hinted as much during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, August 19, confirming reports of unimplemented contracts.

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada asked Bonoan directly whether he believed ghost projects existed in the province. “In all honesty, Your Honor, I think so,” Bonoan replied, as quoted in a Manila Bulletin report.

Estrada cited reports suggesting that projects in Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoy may have been awarded to Wawao Builders and SYMS Construction despite allegedly not being implemented.

Bonoan confirmed the reports, saying the information his office received supported the claims.

Wawao Builders is among the top 15 contractors identified by President Marcos as having received the largest share of government flood control contracts.

Bonoan revealed that the company secured projects worth P9 billion nationwide, including P5.97 billion for 85 projects in Bulacan under the First Engineering District Office, some of which could be ghost projects.

SYMS Construction reportedly completed 16 projects totaling P931.2 million over the past three years.

DPWH records show Wawao Builders is owned by Mark Allan Arevalo, while SYMS Construction is run by Sally Nicolas Santos.

Pressed on accountability, Bonoan assured the committee that charges would be filed against those involved.

“Anybody who is involved in the implementation of that kind of project has to be answerable,” he said in the same article.

Estrada questioned whether the full P5.97 billion in Bulacan could be ghost projects and demanded a detailed breakdown. Bonoan added that validation is ongoing, with financial and physical reports expected within a week, covering contracts implemented between 2021 and 2022.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta noted that Wawao Builders’ owner had failed to respond to invitations and would be subpoenaed. He also asked about recovering performance bonds, which Bonoan said would be documented.

The committee examined why the Commission on Audit (COA) had missed the alleged ghost projects.

Bonoan criticized the post-audit system, noting audits occur only after project completion, allowing issues to slip through.

Estrada asked whether the DPWH would have discovered the anomalies without the President’s public disclosure.

Bonoan said flood control projects are routinely validated and audited before full payment. Estrada also raised concerns about contract concentration, citing President Marcos’ statement that 15 contractors received roughly P100 billion—or 20 percent of the budget—while the remaining P436 billion was shared among 2,394 contractors.

Bulacan, along with Metro Manila, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro, and Ilocos Norte, is among the most flood-prone provinces according to the National Adaptation Plan of the Philippines (2023–2050).

Of 15 construction companies invited, only seven sent representatives.

Marcoleta expressed frustration over the absences, while Senator Erwin Tulfo warned that subpoenas must yield responses in the next hearing.

Authorities plan to subpoena key figures, including Cezarah C. Discaya of Alpha and Omega, Ma. Roma Angeling D. Rimando of St. Timothy Construction, Eumir Villanueva of Topnotch Catalyst Builders, Aderma Angelie Alcazar of Sunwest, Edgar Acosta of Hi-Tone Construction, Romeo Miranda of Royal Crown Monarch, Mark Allan Arevalo of Wawao Builders, and Luisito Tiqui of L.R. Tiqui Builders.(MyTVCebu)