Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has raised alarm over what he described as deep-rooted irregularities in Bulacan’s flood control projects, pointing to a “well-organized syndicate” operating within the province.
In a privilege speech at the Senate on Wednesday, Lacson revealed that 28 projects in Bulacan were all pegged at ₱77 million each, regardless of their differences in scope, length, or design.
“‘Distinct’ ang mga budget items na makikita sa GAA at awarded contracts na may pare-parehong halaga… Para sa nakakaunawa, ang ibig sabihin po ay ‘akin yan,’” Lacson said, citing information from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) insiders and contractors.
The senator also linked former district engineers to the scheme, claiming they shared a similar “love for money” according to testimonies his office received.
He further identified barangays in Malolos and Hagonoy where contractors allegedly carried out “ghost” flood control projects. Materials that should have been used for construction, Lacson said, were never applied on the ground.
“Hindi ito kababalaghan… This is well orchestrated by an organized network of people who abuse their power,” he stressed.
Lacson added that within Bulacan’s 1st district engineering office, a group had gained notoriety for substandard and non-existent projects. Their alleged modus, he explained, involved borrowing licenses from regular contractors to implement projects themselves or falsify documents to make ghost projects appear completed.
The senator assured that his office is ready to hand over names of individuals involved in the supposed syndicate, as well as potential witnesses who could testify against them.
