Phantom Flood Control Projects Trigger Corruption Probe in Public Works

Phantom Flood Control Projects Trigger Corruption Probe in Public Works

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | August 26, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – An investigation of officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and private contractors is underway, following the discovery of alleged “phantom” flood control projects in Bulacan.

The scandal, tantamount to economic sabotage, has prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order the creation of a legal team to investigate massive fraud.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed impending legal action on Thursday (Aug. 21, 2025) as he vowed to hold accountable DPWH officials, contractors, and members of Congress implicated in the anomalous flood projects.

“We are meticulously documenting every detail,” Bonoan told senators during a hearing on flood control projects.

“Should our investigation reveal the involvement of any public works officials, we will pursue all necessary legal actions, irrespective of their positions,” he declared.

The DPWH has already initiated the dismissal of district engineering officials responsible for overseeing flood projects.

Regional DPWH offices will temporarily assume control of the affected districts, Bonoan said.

The investigation focuses on flood control projects purportedly completed between July 2022 and May 2025.

While Bonoan clarified that not all projects are under the current administration, the focus will be during that period.

At the center of the controversy is SYMS Construction Trading, a company flagged for receiving 16 flood control contracts in Bulacan amounting to P1 billion.

Records indicate SYMS independently secured 14 contracts and partnered with Wawao Builders on two other projects.

Twelve projects were reportedly completed in 2024 by SYMS.

In his privilege speech, Sen. Panfilo Lacson cited Bulacan as a province with a high number of questionable projects.

The DPWH has submitted a list of 15 major contractors who have received a significant number of projects.

However, Bonoan stressed that the inquiry will extend beyond the initial list, suggesting a wider network of corruption.

The probe promises to be a landmark case, potentially exposing deep-seated corruption within the DPWH and raising serious questions about the oversight and accountability of public works projects.