DAVAO CITY – A flood control structure worth P96.5 million in Jose Abad Santos town, Davao Occidental province was exposed as a ghost project following an inspection by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday.

During a press briefing, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon disclosed that the project — declared finished in 2022 and fully paid to Saint Timothy Construction Corp. owned by controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya — remains incomplete.

The payment was released in October of the same year.

The project was flagged through the Sumbong sa Pangulo website and included in the agency’s list of questionable infrastructure initiatives.

Dizon clarified that the inspection was part of a nationwide directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to investigate ghost and substandard projects. Jose Abad Santos town was among the sites prioritized for review.

During the site visit, Dizon expressed frustration over the incomplete construction of a concrete revetment.

Accompanied by ICI Special Adviser Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, he confronted the district engineer over the release of full payment despite the project’s unfinished state.

“You will not pay (for a project) if it’s not completed, right? But since this is not your money—this is the taxpayers' money—you pay for it so your disbursement rate appears high. Is that your excuse?” Dizon asked.

Magalong also spoke with residents, most of who testified that construction only began a month ago.

He and Dizon immediately ordered the suspension of work and declared the site a crime scene. Magalong said the project fits the definition of a ghost project: Declared completed, fully paid, yet visibly absent on the ground.

He added that possible charges – including graft, malversation of public funds, and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act – will be filed against the contractor and involved DPWH personnel.

“All those who signed the documents, all DPWH officials who approved the payment – we will also visit the Commission on Audit and ask why the payment was allowed,” Magalong said.

Dizon warned DPWH employees across districts to report irregularities directly to him, urging them not to follow the lead of engineers implicated in flood control controversies.

“Huwag niyo nang hintayin na pumunta pa ako diyan. Magkusa na kayo (Don’t wait for me to go there. Take the initiative), come forward, present it to me now. Don’t wait, because we will find them,” he said.

Dizon emphasized his commitment to rooting out corruption within the agency, even if it means removing all district engineers nationwide.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Jose Abad Santos Mayor Jason John Joyce said the visit gave him hope for better infrastructure in one of the country’s most remote municipalities.

“I hope this marks the beginning of victory for the Jasenyos to finally have well-built roads, a durable bridge, river control, and a seawall. The local government will fully cooperate with the investigation,” he said.

Joyce also thanked Dizon and Magalong for their concern for his town. (PNA)