Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has called for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Commission on Audit (COA) to be held accountable for the alleged ‘ghost projects’ and anomalies in flood control programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada highlighted in a recent interview that corruption within flood control projects is so pervasive that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee may require as many as 10 hearings to fully investigate the irregularities. He stressed that these alleged ‘ghost projects’ could not have occurred without the collusion of DPWH officials, contractors, and auditors.

Estrada pointed out that the cooperation of COA is essential for such projects to succeed, stating, “A ghost project will not prosper without the cooperation of COA.” He further suggested that district engineers from Bulacan and Mindoro provinces, along with COA representatives, should be called to future hearings to clarify their involvement in these anomalies.

The senator also noted the possibility that some insiders within the DPWH might be securing contracts through their own companies. He commented, “It is most probable and most likely they themselves corner the contracts.”

When questioned about whether DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan should resign, Estrada stated that the decision is up to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., but acknowledged that Bonoan holds command responsibility. “Secretary Bonoan may not be aware of what is happening below him, but the problem is, he bears command responsibility,” he remarked.

Estrada concluded by asserting that addressing these flood control irregularities could serve as a defining legacy for the Marcos administration.