Ghost floodprojects haunt ’27 evac funds

Malacañang rejected concerns that the proposed P3.06-billion allocation for evacuation centers in the 2027 national budget might be used for election or campaign funds after Sen. Panfilo Lacson questioned the uniform P180-million allocation for the centers in each of the 17 regions.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not allow funds to be used for ghost projects.

Castro’s statement came amid the continuing investigation into alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects funded under the 2025 national budget, tagged as the “most corrupt ever” in history.

The Ombudsman has filed cases before the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects, including a case against former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. The anti-graft agency has also pursued cases against other officials and contractors linked to the scandal.

The scandal centered on allegations that billions of pesos in flood control allocations from 2022 to 2025 were lost through budget insertions, rigged biddings, kickbacks, ghost projects and substandard infrastructure.

The DAILY TRIBUNE previously reported that the authorities had uncovered ghost and defective projects in Bulacan, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Baguio and Metro Manila.

Co has tagged no less than President Marcos and his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, as alleged recipients of billions in kickbacks from the questioned flood mitigation projects.

Located where?

In one case, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended administrative charges over a P72.4-million “ghost” riverbank project in Bulacan. The Ombudsman subsequently moved to prosecute the individuals linked to the broader flood control scandal.

The Ombudsman has also been investigating Romualdez and other officials over their alleged involvement in the flood control anomalies.

DBM explains

In response to Lacson, the Department of Budget and Management explained that the absence of specific locations in the 2027 National Expenditures Program does not mean the projects lack an implementation process or that sites would be selected arbitrarily.

Under Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, in coordination with local governments and other agencies, is mandated to identify and prioritize center sites, while the Department of Public Works and Highways serves as the implementing agency.

The DBM said site selection must consider disaster risk, topography, available land, and community needs.

For 2027, the allocation covers two Ligtas Pinoy Centers per region at P90 million each, based on the law’s five-year implementation plan, including site development and adjustments for unique site conditions.

The DBM said the Office of Civil Defense was identifying sites. On 10 August, the DPWH formally asked for the OCD’s prioritized list to prepare the projects for implementation.

Ayuda, too

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon defended the allocation, saying it was not a discretionary lump sum but was based on the adjusted construction cost under the five-year plan. The proposed funding is part of the DPWH’s P644-billion budget for 2027, including P107.4 billion for flood control works.

The Senate is scheduled to begin committee hearings on the proposed 2027 national budget on 27 August.

Castro also responded to Lacson’s criticism of ayuda items in the 2027 NEP, explaining that programs such as Walang Gutom and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program provide temporary assistance to families in need.

She said the programs may not be permanent but could have lasting effects on their beneficiaries, particularly students receiving support through 4Ps.