AFP Identifies Hundreds of Phantom Flood Control Projects in Ongoing Probe

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed the discovery of 250 “ghost projects” during joint inspections of flood control and other infrastructure programs nationwide. These findings emerged from the ongoing validation of approximately 10,000 projects already inspected, which form part of the 30,000 infrastructure items flagged for verification under the government’s intensified probe into alleged irregularities in public works spending.

According to the AFP, the inspections cover projects implemented from 2016 to the present. The assessment effort remains extensive, as only a third of the target projects have been examined so far. Inspection teams are deployed across the country to expedite the process, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) consolidating all reports and technical findings submitted by AFP units.

The AFP explained that its teams rely solely on official project documents and geo-coordinates provided by the DPWH when validating project sites. Any inconsistencies in project locations or coordinates are expected to be resolved through existing verification systems within the lead agency.

The AFP is part of a technical working group supporting the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the DPWH. While the DPWH directs and manages the inspection program, AFP units provide essential technical, engineering, and security assistance. Their participation focuses on three areas: geo-tagging support to confirm project location and scope; on-site validation to determine whether reported accomplishments reflect the actual physical output; and structural and technical assessments conducted by AFP engineering brigades and battalions.

AFP engineers, originally trained for combat and battlefield operations, have increasingly taken on expanded roles in infrastructure verification to help strengthen transparency and accountability in public works programs.

Authorities expect more findings as the inspection of the remaining 20,000 projects continues. The AFP emphasized that its role is limited to anti-corruption support and technical validation, while all construction responsibilities and final assessments remain under the jurisdiction of the DPWH.