BAGUIO CITY — An advocate claiming to be the chosen “Daughter of the Whutwhut (Butbut) tribe” has sounded the alarm over what she alleges is a P125-million “ghost bridge” project following the collapse of the Makilo Bailey Bridge in Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga, on December 1, 2025.
Advocate Natty Balliwag Pallatoc Aguac Bayubay, who said she is a chosen daughter of the tribe “not by birth but by honor and courage,” stressed that it is her duty to speak for her people against corruption affecting the community. She alleged the existence of a P125-million “ghost bridge” and demanded immediate accountability.
The old Bailey bridge in Barangay Bugnay — the area’s sole passageway — collapsed on December 1, 2025 after weeks of heavy rain. Years earlier, the structure had been earmarked for replacement under the Makilo Bridge Replacement Project, a proposed 101.5-meter steel arch bridge. The project was divided into two phases totaling P125 million (P67.2 million for Phase 1 and P57.7 million for Phase 2).
The advocate publicly condemned the lack of transparency, calling it a “betrayal” and urging a full investigation.
Despite a groundbreaking ceremony held on November 10, 2023, and a transparency board naming the contractor, Bayubay is now questioning whether the replacement project ever began.
“Nothing was ever started — no digging, no delivered materials, and no foundations,” she said, strongly suggesting that the allocated funds were tied to a “ghost project.” Contracts were awarded to the EGB/JTM Joint Venture, with the second phase approved even after the Commission on Audit flagged irregularities in Phase 1. Because of this, Bayubay said three lies were committed that enabled corruption.
She described these as: Mizaru (Seeing No Evil) — officials proceeding with Phase 2 despite COA red flags; Iwazaru (Speaking No Evil) — those aware choosing silence to protect corruption; and Kikazaru (Hearing No Evil) — officials ignoring auditors and the “public clamor” of Kalinga residents.
Even Kalinga Governor James Edduba expressed shock, saying he had “zero knowledge” that a new bridge project existed. “I am not sure, until and unless we will secure a copy of the original POW (program of work) so we can comment appropriately,” the governor said, demanding explanations from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Adding to conflict-of-interest concerns, EGB Construction is owned by civil engineer Erni G. Baggao, who served as a member of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board in 2023. EGB has also been tagged in a separate multibillion-peso flood control scandal involving lawmakers.
According to the Whutwhut advocate, the issue has transcended politics and is now a matter of public safety.
With more than P50 million in question, those responsible could face criminal charges, including violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019), Technical Malversation, Fraud Against the Public Treasury, and even Plunder.
The advocate, backed by netizens, is calling for full disclosure from DPWH–Kalinga and DPWH–CAR, publication of all inspection and audit reports, accountability from the EGB & JTM Joint Venture, and an investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Honor demands it, history demands it. Kalinga demands it,” she said. “The people of Tinglayan are left dealing with safety risks, economic setbacks, and the stark reality that the funding meant to secure their crossing may have vanished entirely.”