Citizen’s group uncovers ‘ghost projects’ in Leyte

PALO, Leyte — An independent citizen’s group says it uncovered at least two non-existent flood control projects in Leyte worth over P200 million, contradicting claims from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that there are no ghost projects in the region.

The November 30 Truth Commission, composed mostly of journalists and development workers, said the DPWH has marked two flood control projects as “completed,” yet they do not exist on the ground.

“The November 30 Truth Commission categorically rejects the sweeping claim that there are ‘no ghost projects’ in the region,” the group said in a statement. “We do not deal in rumors. We deal in site inspections, photographs, funding records, and testimonies from residents.”

Earlier, DPWH regional director Edgar Tabacon said there is no ghost infrastructure project in Eastern Visayas, whether flood control, roads, or bridges, which is why no personnel under his office are being investigated or charged in court for corruption.

Tabacon added that any delay in project implementation was due to weather conditions, right-of-way issues, or the absence of land for construction.

The anti-corruption group specifically cited the P48.84 million San Antonio flood control project in Ormoc City, recorded as completed in October 2023, and the P178 million Baybay flood control project, funded in five tranches between 2017 and 2024.

Based on its inspection, the group said the San Antonio site shows only a narrow, shallow creek overgrown with grass and shrubs. “No excavation, no concrete flood control structures, no signs of heavy equipment activity, and no visible rehabilitation of the old box culvert downstream,” it said. Residents also reported not seeing construction activity, workers, or materials brought to the site.

“If this is not a ghost project, then the public deserves to see the physical structure corresponding to P48.84 million,” the group said. It challenged the DPWH regional office to conduct a joint public site inspection.

For the Baybay project, the group said only “approximately 50 meters of disconnected structure cutting through mangroves” were observed, yet the project was declared complete, with certification issued and funds released.

The group urged the DPWH regional office to conduct a public technical audit, release the “as-built plans,” disclose inspection reports, and identify certifying officers. “If everything is legitimate, transparency will strengthen public trust. If not, the public has the right to know,” it said.

“Until documentary proof and physical evidence align, the denial of ghost projects is not reassuring—it is alarming,” the group added.