MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed strong anger after discovering that a ₱55-million flood control project in Baliuag, Bulacan was left unstarted despite being fully paid.
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| PBBM orders probe on P55 M ghost flood control project. Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) |
“I’m more than disappointed. I’m actually getting very angry. This is what’s happening here. I’m not disappointed, I’m angry,” Marcos said during his inspection of the supposed reinforced concrete river wall project in Purok 4, Barangay Piel.
The President ordered a full investigation into the so-called “ghost project” and directed the filing of charges for falsification and possible economic sabotage.
“Kitang-kita naman na hindi completed. So, immediately, that’s a falsification. That’s already a very big violation,” he told reporters. “And for the big ones, talagang I’m thinking very hard—pipilahan natin sila ng economic sabotage because economic sabotage is very clear.”
Marcos said the review is ongoing to identify the responsible contractor, noting that the project passed through several subcontractors and that some documents are missing.
According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), records showed that the 220-meter-long river wall had already been marked as “completed” and fully paid at ₱55 million.
“Walang ginawa, kahit isang araw hindi nagtrabaho. Wala. Wala kang makita. Puntahan ninyo, wala kayong makita kahit na ano. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagbaha doon sa kabila,” the President lamented.
He stressed that if such projects were properly implemented, they could have significantly helped not only in flood control but also in irrigation and water supply for households.
“In the meantime, we actually still have to build the flood control project,” Marcos added.
— The Summit Express