Audit discrepancies spark Kalinga ‘ghost projects’ allegations

BAGUIO CITY — An advocacy group has released a report detailing an “infrastructure crisis” in Kalinga province, alleging a widespread discrepancy between government records and the physical status of multi-billion peso engineering projects. Save Kalinga, an organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, claims that expensive projects funded between 2017 and 2026 lack the physical infrastructure promised in official provincial master plans.

At the center of the group’s findings is the P5.5-billion Chico River Mega Dike, which was intended to protect 21 villages from seasonal flooding. While official plans describe a unified 18-kilometer defense system, the group alleges the actual construction consists only of fragmented and shallow walls.

One specific segment valued at P5.2 million is reportedly already showing signs of structural failure despite its use in political publicity.

The investigation also identified what the group describes as “ghost infrastructure” regarding major bridge projects. The Makilo Steel Bridge in Tinglayan was officially recorded as nearly 99 percent complete in mid-2024, yet the group says no new foundations or steelwork were ever initiated, leading to the collapse of a temporary bridge at the site in late 2025.

Similarly, the Nambaran-Alliog Bridge in Tabuk City remains a temporary link despite being part of a P106- million funding stream.

The report further alleges that a “circle of winners” among contractors dominates the local bidding process. Firms, such as EGB Construction and MG Samidan Construction were named, with the latter reportedly securing more than P5.02 billion in regional contracts while projects remain unfinished.

Investigators suggested a system of “license renting” is being used, where large firms win bids but lease the work to local crews who lack the heavy equipment necessary to meet building codes. Save Kalinga claims this has resulted in a cycle of falsified accomplishment reports under the supervision of the Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office.