The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has revealed a massive infrastructure scandal, identifying hundreds of non-existent flood control projects following a nationwide inspection ordered by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).
Nationwide Inspection Uncovers Widespread Fraud
During a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla disclosed the alarming findings. Out of 10,000 flood control projects inspected by AFP personnel so far, a staggering 252 were found to be completely non-existent or "ghost" projects. The ICI has tasked the military with inspecting approximately 30,000 such projects across the entire country.
Colonel Padilla emphasized the scale of the operation, stating their deployment was nationwide and conducted in tandem to cover ground quickly. She assured the public that a complete report would be submitted to the ICI to facilitate and fast-track their official investigation into the anomalies.
Manhunt and Surrender Negotiations for Suspects
In a related development, the hunt continues for individuals linked to these fraudulent projects. The Sandiganbayan had earlier issued arrest warrants against 16 people, including former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, concerning irregularities in a P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro.
Major General Alexander Morico II, acting director of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), provided an update. Of the seven individuals still at large from the first batch of warrants, three are now sending "surrender feelers." Two are believed to be within the country, while one is reportedly abroad.
Major General Morico confirmed that negotiations for their surrender are ongoing, bolstered by the trust these individuals have in the CIDG. He stressed, however, that the warrants of arrest will still be pursued. Simultaneously, the CIDG is conducting its own parallel investigation and gathering information from the relatives of those involved.
Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
The discovery of over 250 ghost projects points to a significant breakdown in the oversight of public infrastructure funds. This scandal not only represents a severe case of corruption but also highlights the potential risks to communities that relied on these non-existent flood control measures for protection.
The coordinated efforts between the AFP, the ICI, and the PNP-CIDG signal a robust governmental response to address these irregularities. The public now awaits the complete results of the AFP's nationwide inspection and the subsequent legal actions from the Sandiganbayan's investigation.
