Brawner debunks ‘ghost projects’ allegations

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has strongly refuted allegations of P15 billion worth of so-called “military ghost projects,” calling the claims “deliberate lies” aimed at discrediting the institution.

In a column titled “Building Trust, Not Tales: The Truth Behind the TIKAS Program,” Brawner defended the AFP and the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) Program, a joint initiative with the Department of National Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Under my watch, there are no ghost projects in the AFP,” Brawner said. “Every resource is accounted for, every structure is real, and every project directly benefits the Filipino people.”

Brawner stressed that the AFP has no direct control over TIKAS funds, saying the military does not receive, obligate, or disburse the budget, which is fully managed by the DPWH. He added that the program operates with clear documentation, tracking, and accountability mechanisms.

He cited verifiable figures showing that from 2019 to 2025, TIKAS has supported 927 approved infrastructure projects, with 663 completed and 139 currently ongoing.

Looking ahead, Brawner expressed support for transitioning the budget execution of TIKAS projects to the AFP to improve efficiency and transparency, and he urged the DPWH to expedite pending projects that directly impact troop welfare.

“Transparency is the foundation of trust,” he stressed, affirming the AFP’s commitment to stand ready to “defend not just territory — but the truth itself.”