Senate Blue Ribbon Targets ₱1.6 Billion Fake Flood Control Project in Samar

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to investigate the alleged ₱1.6 billion “ghost” flood control project in the island province of Samar, Senator Erwin Tulfo revealed on Saturday.

Tulfo, the acting chairman of the committee, made the disclosure during a radio interview while attending conferences in Europe.

“We have discovered that there is supposedly a ₱1.6 billion ‘ghost’ flood control project in the Samar area, so this must be investigated,” Tulfo said.

When asked who was behind the project, the senator pointed to a politician currently in hiding following the discovery of several irregularities in infrastructure projects.

According to Tulfo, a construction company ranked among the top 15 contractors was involved, and the funding for the project was allegedly “parked” by a politician who happens to be related to the contractor.

“The politician is now being sought,” he added.

The Blue Ribbon Committee is expected to hold a hearing on October 27 or 28, but if attendance among senators is low, the investigation may be rescheduled to November 10, coinciding with the Senate’s resumption of session.

Tulfo also revealed that the committee plans to expand its probe to include alleged anomalies in the Department of Agriculture’s farm-to-market road projects.

He emphasized the need for accountability and prosecution of those involved in ghost infrastructure schemes, particularly within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“There should be someone jailed to set an example,” Tulfo stressed. “Back in 2013 during the pork barrel scandal, no one was truly held accountable — only Janet Napoles remained. In our case at the Blue Ribbon, whatever evidence we gather will be forwarded to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).”

The revelation adds another layer to the growing list of corruption allegations tied to infrastructure projects across the country, as the Senate intensifies its campaign against misuse of public funds.