Post by : Badri Ariffin

Manila — In an extensive Senate investigation, one of the most significant public works scandals in the Philippines has come to light: a multitude of flood control projects were fully funded yet never constructed, costing taxpayers an estimated ₱180 billion between 2016 and 2025.

During a well-publicized Senate hearing on Wednesday, findings emerged detailing at least 673 “ghost” flood prevention projects nationwide — all financed, documented, and claimed to be complete on paper, yet completely absent in reality.

A decade marked by absent flood defences

The investigation scrutinized around 10,000 flood control initiatives out of approximately 30,000 executed over the past ten years. Military, police, and Department of Development inspection teams discovered that around 6% were entirely unbuilt, showing no signs of construction despite full funding.

Initial assessments identified 421 ghost projects from an 8,000-project sample, while an exploration of another 2,000 confirmed an additional 252 structures, bringing the grand total to 673.

Investigators suggest the actual number could be significantly larger if this trend persists across all projects funded in the last decade.

Kickbacks and political maneuvering uncovered

The investigation unveiled a deeply ingrained scheme involving contractors, district engineers, and political factions. Whistleblowers and field reports indicate a method wherein lawmakers could receive 30% to 40% of the project budget through kickbacks, referred to as “tongpats” or “obligasyon.”

Contractors allegedly gained secured allocations via political support, while selected district engineers ensured projects were approved, funded, and falsely marked complete — irrespective of actual progress.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has publicly denounced these revelations, cautioning against powerful groups who seemingly have “ringfenced” billions in contracts over the years.

Initial arrests as investigations proceed

In response, a crackdown has already led to several arrests of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, while more suspects, including former lawmakers, are now on watchlists.

Seven people are still evading capture amidst the initial wave of arrests linked to the scandal.

Push for accountability in the upcoming budget

Senate leaders are committed to preventing covert budget insertions in the 2026 national budget. Lawmakers warn that opaque meetings in previous years, where amendments were made without documentation or identification of supporters, have been breeding grounds for corrupt allocations.

New regulations mandate real-time posting of all amendments and transparency regarding every lawmaker proposing changes.

On December 2, the Senate voted to eliminate ₱2 billion in questionable allocations as part of its effort to cleanse the budget of redundant or suspect items.

A flawed system under scrutiny

The unfolding scandal underscores a decade of wasted resources for flood-vulnerable communities. Billions intended for river defences, drainage systems, and embankments failed to deliver real protection, leaving many areas repeatedly at risk of catastrophic flooding.

As investigations broaden and further anomalies are highlighted through Senate livestream hearings, public discontent is surging, intensifying demands for a thorough overhaul of how infrastructure funds are managed and supervised.

Authorities indicate that the ₱180 billion loss might only scratch the surface of one of the most extensive corruption scandals in Philippine history.

#Global News