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Advocates Philippines
DPWH Confirms Possible 'Ghost Projects' In Bulacan Flood Control Works
Photo credit: Senate PH
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) acknowledged before the Senate on Tuesday, August 19, that some flood control projects in Bulacan may in fact be “ghost projects.”
During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada pressed DPWH officials on reports of questionable projects in the towns of Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoy.
“In all honesty, Your Honor, I think so,” said DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan when asked directly if ghost projects existed.
Estrada cited complaints received by his office that certain projects, supposedly awarded to Wawao Builders and SYMS contractor, did not actually exist on the ground. Bonoan later revealed that Wawao Builders alone had secured ₱9 billion worth of contracts nationwide—₱5.97 billion of which were concentrated in Bulacan, covering 85 projects under the First Engineering District Office.
The DPWH chief clarified, however, that not all of these projects were questionable, but there “could be some” that fall under the category of ghost projects.
The discussion intensified when Senate Minority Leader Francis Tolentino and Senators Vicente Sotto III and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa questioned how such projects could have passed through the budget process and whether the Commission on Audit (COA) had failed to detect them.
Bonoan explained that the ₱9 billion worth of contracts spanned a four-year period, from 2022 to 2025, with ₱435 million already allocated for five projects in 2025. He assured lawmakers that his office was now investigating the matter and expects a financial and physical validation report within a week.
For his part, Estrada warned that the revelations suggest efforts may now be underway to “fix” records to make the questionable projects appear legitimate. Senator Dela Rosa, meanwhile, called on COA to explain how such projects slipped through its audit system.
Wawao Builders was identified during the hearing as owned by Mark Alan Arevalo, though he was not present despite being invited. Lawmakers signaled that the Senate may soon issue a subpoena to compel his appearance.
The controversy raises broader concerns about the integrity of public infrastructure spending, particularly in flood-prone areas like Bulacan where reliable flood control projects are most needed. Bonoan has pledged to pursue the investigation and, if proven, recover funds through the performance bonds of contractors found to have engaged in ghost projects.
During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada pressed DPWH officials on reports of questionable projects in the towns of Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoy.
“In all honesty, Your Honor, I think so,” said DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan when asked directly if ghost projects existed.
Estrada cited complaints received by his office that certain projects, supposedly awarded to Wawao Builders and SYMS contractor, did not actually exist on the ground. Bonoan later revealed that Wawao Builders alone had secured ₱9 billion worth of contracts nationwide—₱5.97 billion of which were concentrated in Bulacan, covering 85 projects under the First Engineering District Office.
The DPWH chief clarified, however, that not all of these projects were questionable, but there “could be some” that fall under the category of ghost projects.
The discussion intensified when Senate Minority Leader Francis Tolentino and Senators Vicente Sotto III and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa questioned how such projects could have passed through the budget process and whether the Commission on Audit (COA) had failed to detect them.
Bonoan explained that the ₱9 billion worth of contracts spanned a four-year period, from 2022 to 2025, with ₱435 million already allocated for five projects in 2025. He assured lawmakers that his office was now investigating the matter and expects a financial and physical validation report within a week.
For his part, Estrada warned that the revelations suggest efforts may now be underway to “fix” records to make the questionable projects appear legitimate. Senator Dela Rosa, meanwhile, called on COA to explain how such projects slipped through its audit system.
Wawao Builders was identified during the hearing as owned by Mark Alan Arevalo, though he was not present despite being invited. Lawmakers signaled that the Senate may soon issue a subpoena to compel his appearance.
The controversy raises broader concerns about the integrity of public infrastructure spending, particularly in flood-prone areas like Bulacan where reliable flood control projects are most needed. Bonoan has pledged to pursue the investigation and, if proven, recover funds through the performance bonds of contractors found to have engaged in ghost projects.
Aug 19, 2025
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