August 22, 2025 – Bicol Saro Party-list Representative and House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry Ridon raised concerns over possible collusion involving district engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), and the Commission on Audit (COA) following the discovery of ghost flood control projects.
One of the questionable projects was reportedly located in Barangay Piel, Baliuag, Bulacan, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally inspected yesterday. Ridon questioned how the COA failed to flag the irregularity, emphasizing the need for accountability within the involved agencies.
Two contractors have so far been named in connection with the alleged ghost projects: Wawao and Syms Construction Trading. Ridon stressed that the entire DPWH district engineering office, along with the BAC and COA, may face responsibility should findings confirm irregularities.
The House is set to conduct a tri-committee hearing in aid of legislation to investigate the controversial projects. Among the issues to be tackled are the possible involvement of legislators as contractors and how small firms allegedly managed to secure billion-peso contracts.
Ridon assured the public that the inquiry will be impartial and will not spare anyone, even fellow lawmakers, if found involved in the questionable transactions.
