Senator Jinggoy Estrada pressed Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan on the alleged “ghost” flood control projects during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Tuesday, August 19.
The senator cornered the secretary over the issue of ‘ghost’ projects. When asked when he learned of the issue, Bonoan admitted he had only become aware recently, but stressed that some projects were implemented during 2021–2022, before he assumed office.
“This is in the process of validation , your honor,” he said.
“As I mentioned in my statement, there are district officers that are trying to continue the evaluations of some projects. Let me just point out, many of the other projects that I've mentioned, some of these projects were implemented in 2021-2022,” Bonoan added.
‘Ghost’ projects in Bulacan
During the hearing, Senator Jinggoy Estrada raised reports from his office pointing to alleged “ghost” flood control projects in the municipalities of Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoy in Bulacan.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed receiving similar reports and identified Wawao Builders as one of the contractors involved in the incomplete projects. However, its owner, Mark Allan Arevallo, was absent despite the committee’s invitation.
Estrada pressed Bonoan, suggesting that contractors might now be rushing to fix the anomalies to cover up the “ghost” projects.
Bonoan dismissed the possibility of the projects being fixed.
“I don't think that they have the capability anymore , your honor. Because I think if these are ghost projects in the first place, they wouldn’t have the time to do actually. The records will show if there are no projects at all that were implemented and payment has been made…” he said.
Paid ‘ghost’ projects
Estrada further grilled the DPWH chief over the amounts awarded to Wawao Builders. Initially, Bonoan said he had no direct access to the figures.
“No, no merong mga figures diyan, huwag niyo akong lolokohin dito. Labas niyo kung magkano inaward niyo don sa Wawao Builders [mga ghost projects]. We'll wait for it. Kakadiri kayo,” Estrada said.
The heated exchange eventually led Bonoan to confirm that ₱5.9 billion worth of flood control projects had been awarded to Wawao Builders in Bulacan, now under investigation for possible “ghost” projects.
Bonoan assured the committee that these projects are being intensively validated, and that necessary charges will be filed against anyone involved in the implementation of the ‘ghost’ projects. He added that the results of the investigations will be provided in the next couple of weeks.
