Acting Ombudsman Dante F. Vargas has ordered the preventive suspension of 16 personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office in connection with alleged ghost flood control projects worth ₱389.6 million.

The suspension, which took effect on September 18, 2025, stemmed from the filing of criminal complaints by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon on September 15 and the endorsement of additional fraud audit reports by Commission on Audit (COA) Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba. The projects flagged in the COA report involved flood control works in the municipalities of Plaridel, Pandi, and Bocaue.

According to the Ombudsman, the projects in question were found to have irregularities, including missing supporting documents, non-existent civil works, discrepancies in project locations, and flawed bid plans.

“The suspension order was issued to prevent the personnel concerned from exerting influence over the ongoing investigation, as well as to safeguard public records and ensure that accountability measures can proceed without obstruction,” the Ombudsman’s office said in a statement.

Meanwhile, after the order of Vargas, DPWH Chief Dizon also released a memo addressing the 16 personnel to have a 6-month preventive suspension without pay.

Secretary Dizon earlier described the findings as “infuriating,” stressing that such practices demonstrate “shamelessness” and must be held accountable.