Exposed: ‘Ghost’ Flood Control Projects in Bulacan! DPWH Under Senate Fire

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is under fire after admitting that several flood control projects in Bulacan may be “ghost” or fake projects — sparking a Senate investigation that could shake up government contracting.

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Tuesday, August 19, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada grilled DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan over reports that projects in Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoywere non-existent.

“Yes, your honor,” admitted Bonoan. “This is the information that we have received.”

The projects were allegedly handled by Wawao Builders Corporation, which secured ₱5.9 billion worth of contracts in Bulacan alone from 2022 to 2025. Nationwide, the company bagged projects totaling ₱9 billion, with 85 projects in Bulacan worth ₱5.971 billion.

Bonoan vowed to hold those responsible accountable.

“We will file all the necessary charges… anybody involved in the implementation of those projects should be answerable,” he said.

The DPWH chief, however, faced tough questions for failing to coordinate with the River Basin Control Office, the agency responsible for overseeing flood control projects nationwide.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta slammed the lack of oversight:

“Why in the entire equation… is this office not even surfaced? Now we find out you are not the regulator because you didn’t coordinate!”

The Senate also subpoenaed eight contractors who skipped the hearing, including Wawao Builders’ general manager Mark Allan Villamor Arevalo. Out of 15 contractors invited, only seven appeared — some sending company representatives while others came personally.

According to a report from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Wawao Builders ranks among the 15 biggest contractors in the country, receiving nearly ₱100 billion in government contracts from July 2022 to May 2025.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Senate warned that criminal charges will be filed if the alleged ghost projects are confirmed.

Bulacan residents and taxpayers are watching closely as the Senate digs deeper into these suspicious flood control projects that may have siphoned billions in public funds.