Aug 19, 07:52 AM

Senate Led by Rodante Marcoleta Probes Bulacan Ghost Flood Control Projects by Wawao Builders, Economic Sabotage Cases Considered

The Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee commenced an investigation on August 19, 2025, into alleged anomalies in flood control projects funded by taxpayers' money. The probe, led by newly appointed chairman Senator Rodante Marcoleta, focuses on ghost projects, substandard work, and questionable contractor practices within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Key issues raised include the awarding of large contracts to contractors with relatively low capital, suspected collusion between contractors and DPWH offices, and the involvement of lawmakers in budget insertions and amendments. Senator Raffy Tulfo highlighted the unexplained wealth of some DPWH officials. The contractor Wawao Builders was identified as responsible for ghost projects in Bulacan municipalities Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoy. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed these ghost projects, announced the relief of the entire district engineering office involved, and indicated that a fraud audit is underway. Senator Ping Lacson revealed that up to 25% of the flood control budget may be diverted to politicians who act as proponents of these projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the government is considering filing economic sabotage charges against contractors linked to the ghost projects after inspecting a nonexistent flood protection project in Baliuag, Bulacan. Senator Bam Aquino described the investigation as an opportunity to improve the 2026 budget for flood control, while Senator Joel Villanueva denied any involvement or ties to contractors in Bulacan. The investigation continues to examine the extent of corruption and inefficiency in the government's flood control initiatives.