Former Cebu Third District congressman Pablo John “PJ” Garcia has denied allegations of a “ghost project” in Balamban town, following findings by the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas (NBI 7).
Garcia's Statement on Facebook
In a Facebook post, Garcia stated that the two flood control projects were fully implemented, completed, turned over, and accepted by the local government unit. He added that the Commission on Audit (COA) had audited them.
“They have already withstood flooding during Typhoon Tino, and they were neither destroyed nor washed away. They remain standing,” Garcia said in Cebuano.
Awaiting DPWH Explanation
Out of respect for the agency, Garcia said he is awaiting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) explanation. Based on information from the DPWH Third District Engineering Office, the two projects were among those initially inspected and monitored.
Garcia said the issue appears to stem from differing positions between the NBI and DPWH regarding the exact location of the projects. According to him, the DPWH geotagging application, used by the government, shows the projects are in Barangay Singsing, Balamban, consistent with the General Appropriations Act (GAA) title.
NBI's Position
The NBI, however, believes the projects extend several meters into adjacent Barangay Cantuod, though they are situated along the same river. Garcia noted that both projects were utilized during a typhoon and heavy flooding.
“That is not the definition of a ‘ghost project,’” he said.
Call for Reinspection
Garcia called for a reinspection by the NBI, DPWH, and COA, and proposed inviting media, civil society groups, bloggers, and concerned citizens to witness the inspection instead of relying on speculation.
“Maghinay-hinay kita paggamit nianang termino nga (Let’s be careful about using the term) ‘ghost project’ because it is a highly charged and emotional term, and careers of professional civil servants are at stake,” Garcia said.
“Pasagdi na lang kaming mga politiko, kay (Just leave us politicians alone because) 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 added.
