The DPWH XI photo shows a flood control project on the downstream section of the Lasang River
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation Public Corruption Division will launch a probe into possible anomalies and ghost flood control projects in Davao Region.
Atty. Arcelito Albao, the NBI-SEMRO director, confirmed on Wednesday that the regional office will act as a support unit for the NBI Manila’s Public Corruption Division, which is leading the investigation.
“NBI Manila’s Public Corruption Division is investigating this matter. We at the regional offices are only support,” Albao said in a message to TIMES.
When asked if the investigation will cover projects dating back to 2016 and if a team from Manila is already in Davao, Albao stated, “We are just about to start. We don’t know yet.”
He also did not specify which particular areas would be investigated.
When asked specifically about the flood control projects of 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, Albao said, “We don’t know yet. I will update you.”
“We will ask the NBI Manila,” he added.
Meanwhile, Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson for the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel that she has no personal knowledge about any looming investigation.
Nevertheless, she promised to ask station commanders if the NBI had already coordinated with their offices for the investigation.
The announcement comes as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues its investigation into substandard and “ghost” flood control projects nationwide. Malacañang has also formed an independent commission to build cases for prosecution.
Rep. Duterte denies ghost projects
In a recent statement, Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte denied the existence of “ghost projects” in his district, stressing that the funds went to visible, functioning infrastructure.
“If you really want to look for ghost projects under that ₱51 billion, go ahead, investigate it all,” he said. “Show the records, look at the ground. The truth is there—projects that can be seen, built, and used by the people of Davao.”
He challenged investigators to find the evidence, stating, “We Davaoeños are taxpayers too… If these are really ghost projects, let’s show them to the public. That’s our money.”
Duterte demanded that investigators “show all the budget, release all the projects,” and not just hide them on paper. “Show us in the district if there’s a real road, a bridge, a canal, a hospital, or if they were just drawings,” he said.
The DPWH City Engineering Office revealed that the actual budget for Davao City’s flood control and other infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2022 was over ₱49 billion, not the previously cited ₱51 billion.
