The city government of Baliwag in Bulacan has denied any involvement in the alleged P55-million flood control “ghost project” that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected during his visit to Barangay Piel.
According to a statement released by the local government on Thursday, August 21, the reinforced concrete river wall project in Purok 4 was solely implemented, funded, and paid for by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) based on documents from Malacañang.
“This project did not go through the city government, and no documents were submitted to the City Engineering Office, nor was there any coordination or communication with any LGU (local government unit) office,” the statement read.
President Marcos Jr. earlier described the project as questionable, after reports surfaced that the supposed structure was non-existent or substandard.
The Baliwag City Government echoed the President’s stance, condemning what it called a “fraudulent project” that wasted public funds.
“Like the President, we strongly oppose and condemn any ‘fraudulent project,’ especially since a substantial amount of public funds was wasted and abused here,” it added in its statement.
The local government vowed to strengthen coordination with national agencies to ensure transparency and early detection of irregularities in future projects.
It said it “fully supports” the initiative of President Marcos “to uncover the truth behind anomalous government projects and hold accountable the officials responsible.”
Mr. Marcos visited Baliwag on Wednesday, August 20, to personally inspect the reported project site. He ordered the immediate blacklisting of the company involved identified as SYMS Construction Trading.
The government also plans to sue the company for violating Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.
“We will not let this pass. All officials who authorized and conspired in this (project) will be suspended and charged,” President Marcos said.
He encouraged Filipinos to continue reporting anomalous flood control projects via the ‘Sumbong sa Pangulo’ website.
