Lapid Pushes for Local Government Involvement as Gatchalian, Tulfo Target Errant Contractors

MANILA – Senator Lito Lapid has called on the national government to involve local government units (LGUs), particularly governors, in the implementation of major infrastructure projects, warning that the lack of coordination has allowed corruption and irregularities to flourish.

Lapid said governors and other local officials are often left in the dark about national projects in their jurisdictions — a gap that opens the door to questionable deals and ghost projects.

“I was a three-term governor and I had no knowledge of national projects in my province. That’s why I am appealing to the national government: local officials should at least be informed so they can help monitor,” Lapid stressed.

He pointed to cases in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro, where Governors Daniel Fernando and Humerlito Dolor were unaware of anomalies tied to flood control projects in their areas.

“Local officials are in the best position to safeguard projects because they know their communities. They are the real watchdogs,” Lapid added.

Gatchalian Pushes for Contractor Ban

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is considering the introduction of a special provision that would bar contractors implicated in anomalous projects from participating in future government contracts.

“We might prohibit contractors involved in anomalies from joining government projects, whether or not a case has already been decided. Otherwise, they will just keep winning bids and repeating the same corrupt practices when no one is watching,” Gatchalian said.

He warned that the Senate may even scrap the entire flood control budget if the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) fails to clean up its system.

“In 2026, P270 billion is allocated for flood control. If they can’t justify it, let’s zero it out and use the money for building schools instead. Our classrooms are sorely lacking,” Gatchalian said.

The 2026 National Expenditure Program has earmarked P275 billion for flood control projects nationwide.

Tulfo Files Charges vs. Contractors, DPWH Officials

Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo, vice chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, has filed complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against DPWH officials, contractors, and politicians allegedly involved in ghost and substandard flood control projects.

“Trillions of pesos in taxpayers’ money were stolen. These people must be held accountable,” Tulfo declared.

He cited findings by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Panfilo Lacson, who previously exposed questionable projects.

“If a shoplifter stealing less than a hundred pesos is jailed immediately, why not those who stole trillions through government projects?” Tulfo asked.

Billions at Stake, Kickbacks Alleged

DPWH records show that P1.2 trillion has been spent on flood control since 2011. President Marcos earlier revealed that just 15 contractors cornered 20 percent of projects worth around P100 billion.

Reports also identified contractors allegedly “renting out” their licenses, including Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor and Development, St. Timothy Construction, EGB Construction, and Road Edge Trading & Development Corp.

In Bulacan, three firms — Wawao Builders, SYMS Construction, and Darcy and Anna Builders — were flagged for ghost flood control projects.

Tulfo said contractors are often forced to deliver substandard or ghost projects because of hefty kickbacks demanded by some politicians.

“At the end of the day, the blame falls on politicians who demand 20 to 25 percent in commissions. Contractors are left with no choice but to cut corners, or worse, deliver nothing at all,” Tulfo said.