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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bulacan engineers face DPWH show-cause order in ghost project probe

Bulacan engineers face DPWH show-cause order in ghost project probe

Published Aug 26, 2025 02:39 pm

At A Glance

  • DPWH issues show-cause orders to Bulacan first district engineers and staff over alleged ghost projects.
  • Orders cover former district engineer Henry Alcantara, OIC Brice Ericson Hernandez, and eight other staff.
  • Unsatisfactory explanations could lead to preventive suspension and possible filing of charges.
  • Around 400 projects from 2022 to 2025, including past administration's, are under review.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
Staff and engineers of Bulacan’s first district office have been ordered to explain their alleged involvement in ghost projects in the province after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued show-cause orders to the office.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan warned that unsatisfactory explanations could result in preventive suspension, without prejudice to the filing of charges if warranted.
The orders cover former district engineer Henry Alcantara, OIC district engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, and eight other staff members.
The move comes after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. flagged alleged ghost projects in Bulacan, prompting the DPWH to review around 400 projects implemented from 2022 to 2025, including those under the previous administration.
“Based on the perceived anomalous implementation of projects, what we call a ghost project is probably the most blatant thing to do,” Bonoan said, emphasizing that accountability goes beyond district engineers.
“Anybody documented as involved in the anomalous implementation of any project will be held responsible, regardless of rank,” he added.
Bonoan also cited the recent arrest of a district engineer for attempting to bribe a Batangas congressman, highlighting the urgent need for integrity in public works.
“This is already a warning to everybody: all project implementation, as the President is calling for, must be done properly and free from corruption,” he said.

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DPWH Bulacan Show-Cause Orders ghost projects
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