Cebu third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia has denied allegations of ghost projects in Balamban town, which emerged from National Bureau of Investigation 7 findings. In a Facebook post, Garcia asserted that two flood control projects were fully implemented, completed, turned over, accepted by the local government unit, and audited by the Commission on Audit (COA).
Projects withstood Typhoon Tino
According to Garcia, the projects have already been tested by flooding during Typhoon Tino and remained standing without damage. He stated, "They have been through floods during Typhoon Tino, and they did not collapse and remain standing."
Out of respect for the agency, Garcia said he awaits clarification from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding the issue. He obtained information from the DPWH 3rd District Engineering Office that the two projects were prioritized for inspection and tracking.
Location discrepancy between NBI and DPWH
Garcia noted that the former congressman saw a problem because the NBI and DPWH have conflicting positions on where the projects are located. According to the DPWH geotagging application, which the government uses, the projects are situated in Barangay Singsing, Balamban, consistent with the project title in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). However, the NBI believes the project extends a few meters into the adjacent barangay, Cantuod, Balamban, along the same river.
Both projects were reportedly used during typhoon events and experienced heavy flooding. Garcia argued that this does not fit the definition of a "ghost project."
Call for reinspection
Garcia called for a reinspection by the NBI, DPWH, and COA, inviting media members, civil society groups, bloggers, and other concerned citizens to witness the projects firsthand, rather than relying on speculation about their existence.
"Let us be careful in using the term 'ghost project' because it is a highly charged and emotional term, and careers of professional civil servants are at stake. Let the politicians be the ones to bear the brunt, as our reputations are, deservedly or not, already tarnished by damaged political institutions. It is the career civil servants’ careers and futures, however, that we should protect from unwarranted accusations," Garcia said.
