Marcos Flags P56 Million 'Ghost' Flood Control Project in Bulacan – Second Strike in Region

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a second surprise visit to Bulacan province this week, this time to investigate a P56-million flood control project in Baliwag City. Unfortunately, the visit yielded disappointing results, as Marcos discovered an abandoned construction site, raising serious concerns about the project's legitimacy and the potential misuse of public funds. The incident has been dubbed a 'ghost' project, mirroring a similar discovery made earlier this month.

During his Wednesday visit, Marcos expressed his dismay at the state of the project. He observed that construction had seemingly stopped long ago, with no visible activity or workers present. This follows a previous inspection in Hagonoy, Bulacan, where a similar project involving river wall construction was found to be stalled and largely incomplete, despite significant funds already being allocated.

“It’s concerning that funds were released and yet there’s nothing to show,” Marcos stated, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in government spending. He has ordered a thorough investigation into both projects, directing relevant agencies to identify those responsible for the alleged mismanagement and to ensure that appropriate action is taken.

What Happened to the Funds?

The P56 million allocated for the Baliwag flood control project was intended to improve drainage and mitigate the risk of flooding in the area, particularly during the rainy season. Residents of Baliwag have long expressed concerns about the vulnerability of their communities to flooding, and the project was seen as a crucial step towards providing much-needed protection. The abandonment of the project leaves residents feeling betrayed and vulnerable.

The initial allocation for the project was made under the previous administration, but Marcos's administration is now taking a proactive approach to scrutinize infrastructure spending and ensure that public funds are used effectively.

Echoes of Hagonoy: A Pattern of Neglect?

This latest discovery in Baliwag echoes the situation in Hagonoy, where a river wall project also languished despite receiving substantial funding. The two incidents raise questions about the oversight mechanisms in place to monitor the implementation of infrastructure projects and prevent the potential for corruption or negligence.

Government Response and Future Actions

President Marcos has vowed to hold those accountable for the alleged irregularities. He has instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a joint investigation to determine the extent of the losses and to identify those responsible for the project's failure.

The President also emphasized the importance of strengthening project monitoring and evaluation systems to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. He stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in all government transactions, ensuring that public funds are used for the benefit of the Filipino people.

The unfolding situation in Bulacan underscores the ongoing challenges of ensuring efficient and accountable governance in the Philippines. It remains to be seen what concrete steps will be taken to address the issues and prevent future instances of 'ghost' projects that drain public resources and fail to deliver on their intended purpose.