DPWH Seeks Travel Ban on Officials, Contractors in ‘Ghost Projects’

The DPWH flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan, is under investigation. Secretary Dizon claims it may be a “ghost project,” highlighting a suspicious timeline and possible contractor corruption during ongoing audits.

DPWH Seeks Travel Ban on Officials, Contractors in ‘Ghost Projects’

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | September 3, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – In a decisive move to fight corruption, the Department of Public Works and Highways has requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against officials and private contractors implicated in alleged “ghost projects” and substandard construction in the DPWH flood control program.

The request, detailed in a letter to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to root out corruption within the DPWH.

Newly appointed Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon underscored the “utmost necessity” of the ILBO to prevent potential flight risks and ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation into fraudulent activities linked to flood control projects.

The DPWH aims to hold those responsible accountable and safeguard public funds while ensuring the quality of crucial infrastructure, Dizon said.

The request includes a demand for the Bureau of Immigration to immediately alert the DPWH and other law enforcement agencies of any impending travel plans by individuals named in anomalous flood control projects.

The list of individuals covered by the ILBO includes the following:

DPWH Officials

1. Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Regional Director Henry Alcantara
2. OTC-District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez
3. OIC-Assistant District Engineer Jaypee Mendoza
4. Engineer Ernesto Galang of the Planning and Design Section
5. Engineer John Michael Ramos, Construction Section
6. Engineer Norberto Santos, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Section
7. Engineer Jaime Hernandez, Maintenance Section
8. Floralyn Simbulan, Administrative Section
9. Juanito Mendoza, Finance Section 
10. Engineer Benedict Matawaran, Procurement Unit
11.  

Private Sector Contractors

1. Alex Abelido, president of Legacy Construction Corp.
2. Cezarah Discaya and Pacifico Discaya, president and AMO, respectively, of Alpha & Omega General Contractor and Development Corp.
3. Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando, owner/manager of St. Timothy Construction Corp.
4. Allan Quirante, owner/proprietor of QM Builders
5. Ermi Baggao, owner/proprietor of EGB Construction Corp.
6. Eumir Villanueva, president of Topnotch Catalyst Builders, Inc.
7. Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development, Inc.
8. Aderma Angelie Alcazar, president/CEO of Sunwest Inc.
9. Edgar Acosta, president of Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp.
10. Wilfredo Natividad, owner/general manager of Triple 8 Construction & Supply, Inc.
11. Romeo Miranda, president/AMO of Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.
12. Mark Allak Arevalo, general manager of Wawao Builders
13. Marjori Samidan, authorized managing officer of MG Samidan Construction
14. Luisito Tiqui, president of L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.
15. Ryan Wilk Uy, proprietor of Road Edge Trading & Development Services

The allegations of “ghost projects” and the use of substandard materials have ignited serious concerns about the integrity of public infrastructure projects and the potential misappropriation of taxpayers’ money.

The DPWH’s swift action underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, a DPWH official said.