DPWH, DA probing alleged ghost farm-to-market projects — Palace

The P105 million worth of alleged ghost farm-to-market road projects will be investigated by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Works and Highways, Malacañang said on Monday.

At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked if President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. already received the report submitted by the DA on the matter.

''Yes, opo at nagkausap na rin po si Secretary Vince [Dizon at saka si Secretary Kiko [Tiu Laurel] at pagtutulungan po nila ito para maimbestigahan lalo na kung ito ay ghost projects dapat po maaksiyunan agad,'' Castro said.

(Yes, and Secretary Vince and Secretary Kiko already talked about this matter and they will investigate these projects. If they were indeed ghost projects, these should be looked into.)

''So, nagkausap na po sila at pagtutulungan po nila ito,'' Castro added.

(They discussed these and both agencies will work on these.)

Asked if the President has further instructions, Castro said Marcos' directives on ensuring that there is enough evidence on accusations still stand.

''Sa umpisa pa lang nang ito ay kaniyang sinabi sa SONA kaya po patuloy pa rin po ang direktiba na dapat imbestigahan mabuti, marami dapat na ebidensiya na maipakita para po hindi naman masayang kung magsasampa ng kaso,'' Castro said.

(Since his SONA, his directives on having thorough investigation and enough evidence still stand.)

According to the DA, the seven “ghost” farm-to-road projects cost about P105 million, supposedly undertaken from 2021 to 2023 in Davao Occidental.

The agency's audit focused on FMR projects that were reportedly completed but nowhere to be found. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News