MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has clarified that, so far, only 14 out of 421 flood control projects previously flagged for possible irregularities are believed to be confirmed “ghost projects.” According to OIC DOJ Secretary Frederick Vida, these 14 projects already have sufficient evidence to support criminal findings, while the remaining projects are still under careful investigation pending the submission and verification of documents.

Of the confirmed cases, six projects are allegedly linked to Wawao Construction and Top Notch Catalyst, while the rest are connected to Syms Construction. Meanwhile, officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) acknowledged the complexity of verifying flood control projects, citing issues such as discrepancies in project coordinates. DPWH Undersecretary Rico Bernabe stated that projects with pending cases are being treated as ghost projects, but admitted that verification has been complicated by inconsistencies between “MYPS coordinates” used in planning and “stake coordinates” specified in contracts.

Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan defended the agency, explaining that variations in coordinates do not automatically mean projects were nonexistent, insisting that many were still built in their intended locations. However, Senator Erwin Tulfo expressed strong skepticism, suggesting the possibility of collusion and calling for full transparency and swift accountability.

What raises deeper concern is the scale of the issue. DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar revealed that out of more than 30,000 flood control projects implemented between 2016 and 2025, only a small fraction has been thoroughly reviewed. This prompted the DOJ to request a list of projects already verified as legitimate, hoping to narrow down the scope of the probe.

From a broader perspective, the issue goes beyond numbers. Flood control projects are meant to protect lives and livelihoods in a disaster-prone country. Each questionable project represents not just lost public funds, but potentially preventable suffering during floods and storms. While identifying 14 ghost projects may seem like progress, it also begs a troubling question: does this figure reflect careful due process—or does it merely expose how much remains unchecked? In a nation repeatedly battered by floods, can the public truly feel safe if accountability moves slower than the rising waters? (Larawan: DOJ)