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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bam Aquino: DPWH should include proponents in detailed list of ghost, substandard flood control projects

Bam Aquino: DPWH should include proponents in detailed list of ghost, substandard flood control projects

Published Sep 19, 2025 02:49 pm

At A Glance

  • The senator said the agency should include the names of the proponents of these projects for public information, as the public is entitled to know the full extent of the anomalies.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should release a detailed list of ghost and substandard flood control projects to ensure full transparency and accountability, Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV said on Friday, September 19.
As such, Aquino said the agency should include the names of the proponents of these projects for public information, as the public is entitled to know the full extent of the anomalies.
“They should publish it once they release it. They should indicate the name of the contractor, the amount of the project, and whether it is a ghost or extremely substandard project. They should also indicate their assessment and who are the proponents,” Aquino said in a radio interview.
“It’s important to see these. Who proposed and pushed it. It’s important that there is someone held liable and those involved should be put to jail,” he added.
During Thursday’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Aquino asked DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to produce the list as soon as possible.
“We really want to get to the bottom of this. It should be clear. So, in a few weeks, the list will be released. We’ll be able to know what are the ghost projects and what were the severely substandard,” he said.
“I'll just use that broadly, severely substandard. You should disclose the location, who are the contractors, including the proponent of the project,” he reiterated.
Dizon committed to finalizing the list within one to two weeks and publishing it on a transparency portal accessible to the public.
Aquino also expressed belief that controversial contractor Curlee Discaya is not qualified for the Witness Protection Program, considering the extent of his involvement in the controversy.
“If you’d ask me, they really are not qualified. They stole such big money. And you’re ven bragging about it, and then you’ll just be acquitted,” he pointed out.
“Kung ano ang tatanungin, hindi talaga. Ganung kalaking pera iyong ninakaw. Pinagmamalaki mo pa, tapos mapapawalang-sala ka,” Aquino said.
“They admit what they did, so they really should go to jail. They can't be acquitted lightly," he stressed.

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