The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has discovered around 60 “ghost” flood control projects across the country following inspections conducted at the request of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in an interview on Friday that the military was tasked to inspect the existence of flood control projects nationwide after reports of irregularities surfaced.
“Out of the 8,000 flood control projects, I think there are around 60 ghost projects,” Brawner revealed. “The number may still increase as inspections continue.”
The AFP was tapped to assist because its units are stationed throughout the country and have prior experience monitoring government infrastructure under the Barangay Development Program.
“We were given the coordinates of the flood control projects,” Brawner explained. “We submit our findings to the DPWH, whose engineers will determine if the existing ones meet specifications.”
Calls have mounted for the AFP to take a more direct role in implementing infrastructure projects, with some lawmakers suggesting that the military handle flood control projects to prevent corruption and ensure quality.
Senator Robin Padilla earlier proposed that the AFP’s Corps of Engineers (AFPCOE) be given responsibility for such projects.
“I am presenting this to this chamber for study and consideration, with the aim of having AFPCOE play a more active role in addressing the national problem of flood control, particularly in the immediate construction or repair of non-existent or severely damaged infrastructure in highly flood-prone areas,” Padilla said in Filipino.
However, the AFP chief clarified that the military’s engineering units are now shifting focus from civilian infrastructure to territorial defense operations.
“Our engineer brigades are being converted into combat engineers,” Brawner said. “So that, in case a war breaks out, our engineers are ready to construct protective covers for our troops and our citizens.”
Currently, the AFP has only seven engineering brigades—five in the Army, one in the Air Force, and one in the Navy.
Brawner acknowledged that the military has a strong track record in infrastructure development, citing past projects completed by AFP engineers under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) during Dizon’s tenure.
“Even Secretary Dizon himself said he was impressed with the quality and speed of work done by our military engineers,” Brawner added.
However, the AFP chief emphasized that while the military will lend its expertise to public infrastructure projects to ensure quality and transparency, it will not take over civilian functions.
“Our role is to guide, monitor, and help in planning, not to replace the implementing agencies,” he said.
