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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mayor Vico eyes independent team to monitor, evaluate local, DPWH infra projects

Mayor Vico eyes independent team to monitor, evaluate local, DPWH infra projects

Published Sep 26, 2025 10:37 am
Even though Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said no ghost projects have been reported in the city since his first term in 2019, he vowed to make sure of it by creating an independent team that will monitor and evaluate both national and local infrastructure projects in the city.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto
He said this after receiving documents through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday, Sept. 25.
"To be fair, since 2019, I have never heard of any ghost project or anything like that within Pasig City's jurisdiction. But (1), we will make sure; and (2), we will also check for quality and effectiveness,” the mayor said.
Sotto said the volunteer engineers he had spoken with, along with a partner government-monitoring non-government organization (NGO), were eager to conduct on-site inspections, but he advised them to postpone fieldwork until after the typhoon.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/26/opong-habagat-to-bring-heavy-rains-on-sept-26
Once fieldwork begins, Sotto said their initial focus would be on DPWH flood control projects, as this is what the public has been asking about.
“But our real goal is to create an independent team (NGO-type) of experts and volunteers in Pasig that will monitor and evaluate infrastructure projects... not only of DPWH but also of the LGU!” the mayor said.
“This is the next level of our Local Government Clean-up Drive that started in 2019,” he added.
On Sept. 23, the Mayor for Good Governance (M4GG), of which Sotto is also a member, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to strengthen efforts in investigating anomalous infrastructure projects nationwide.
M4GG said it will also establish a Whistleblower Hotline to serve as a channel for government officials, contractors, and insiders to provide vital information on anomalies.
With this partnership, the important role of local governments and mayors in promoting good governance is underscored, particularly in ensuring the transparent and efficient implementation of infrastructure projects for the benefit of the public.

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metro news pasig city mayor vico sotto Flood control DPWH
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