At least 421 flood control projects across the Philippines have been identified as nonexistent or “ghost projects,” following an initial round of inspections, as confirmed by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday, October 9.
The findings were presented after Dizon met with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in Taguig City, as part of the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen transparency and oversight in public infrastructure spending.
Initial Validation Uncovers Widespread Irregularities
Dizon said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), has inspected around 8,000 projects nationwide.
“Out of those inspected, 421 were confirmed to be ghost projects based on the joint validation by the AFP, PNP, and NEDA (now DepDev),” Dizon said.
He noted that this is only the first phase of validation, adding that thousands more projects will undergo inspection. A significant number of the irregular projects were found in Luzon, though details on their total cost are still being finalized.
Dizon also confirmed that contractors and other parties linked to the anomalies are under investigation.
ICI: Findings Mark a Key Step Toward Accountability
ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said the DPWH findings provide a critical foundation for deeper investigations into possible infrastructure fraud.
“The information shared with us will help identify which areas and districts require closer review,” Hosaka said, adding that the probe is now gaining momentum.
He announced that former PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr., now serving as ICI Special Adviser and Investigator, will personally inspect the identified project sites to verify the findings.
Push for Transparency and Good Governance
Both agencies vowed to expand the validation process nationwide as part of the government’s anti-corruption drive. A full report on the 421 ghost projects, including their locations and costs, will be released once the review is completed.
“Our goal is simple,” Dizon said. “Every peso for public works must truly benefit the people—not fund projects that exist only on paper,” he added.
