For years, the people of Bulacan have lived under the constant threat of floods disasters that wash away homes, livelihoods, and dreams. In response, a flood control project was promised, hailed as the solution to the province’s recurring woes. Yet, despite the funds, contracts, and grand announcements, the project remains a mystery. An unfinished, invisible, and to many, nonexistent. Branded by locals as a “ghost project,” it stands as a haunting reminder of unfulfilled promises, raising questions about accountability, transparency, and the true cost of government neglect.
“Ghost projects” refer to infrastructure supposedly completed on paper but in reality either never built, left unfinished, or abandoned despite being reported and paid for.
Bonoan emphasized that the officials remain on floating status while the probe continues. “They will be charged. We’re just collating the documents,” he said. “I gave them three days to explain, and if their responses are not convincing, we will file the necessary charges.” He did not specify what those charges might be.
While scrutiny of DPWH projects intensified after President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address last month, Bonoan revealed that the President had already been briefed on the irregularities even before the SONA, which ultimately prompted the relief of the 10 officials.
President Bongbong Marcos expressed strong dismay over the alleged “ghost” river wall project in Barangay Piel, Baliuag, Bulacan.
Marcos said he was baffled that not only was the project itself nowhere to be found, but even the contractor behind it could not be identified.
Based on official records, however, the project had already been marked as “COMPLETED,” and the contractor had been fully paid by the DPWH. Malacañang even released a receipt as proof of payment.
