The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 has officially forwarded three alleged "ghost" flood control projects to its Central Office in Manila for thorough evaluation and potential prosecution. This significant move aims to address irregularities in infrastructure spending, as confirmed by NBI 7 Director Jose Ermie Monsanto on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Investigation Details and Evidence Submission
According to Monsanto, the cases were filed through the NBI Cebu District Office (Cebdo), with the Central Office now reviewing the files to determine criminal liability and whether formal charges should be pursued. He emphasized that while the NBI Cebdo or Central Visayas Regional Office believes it has gathered sufficient evidence, the final decision rests with the Central Office's assessment.
The investigation into these non-existent projects commenced in late 2025, culminating in the submission of findings on Friday, February 13, after ocular inspections conclusively verified that the projects were never implemented. To date, the agency has not disclosed the specific locations of these ghost projects, maintaining confidentiality as the probe advances.
Ongoing Efforts and Broader Context
Investigators are actively summoning resource persons and representatives from various agencies to provide additional insights and testimony. Despite outreach from media outlets like SunStar Cebu, the NBI Cebdo has not responded with further details as of the latest updates.
This development aligns with a recent announcement by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday, February 16. Dizon stated that the DPWH plans to submit its own manifestation to the Office of the Ombudsman concerning anomalous flood control works in Cebu, highlighting a coordinated effort to tackle infrastructure fraud.
Local Investigation Continues Unabated
Monsanto clarified that despite the submission to Manila, the local investigation remains fully active and ongoing. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current evidence gathered, instructing his agents to continue their efforts to collect more information. The agency is currently reviewing documents and preparing to summon witnesses for verification purposes.
Monsanto noted that while verifying non-existent projects is relatively straightforward, investigating partially completed or substandard work requires more time and resources, indicating a comprehensive approach to uncovering all irregularities.
National Audit and Presidential Directive
This probe is part of a broader 2025 nationwide audit of infrastructure spending, ordered by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. The initiative aims to curb irregularities in funded projects across the country, reflecting a commitment to transparency and accountability in public works. As the investigation progresses, further updates are expected to shed light on the extent of these ghost projects and any potential legal actions.
