President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government lawyers to file charges, including economic sabotage, against a private contractor behind a P55-million “ghost” flood control project in Baliuag, Bulacan.
The president also warned that any government official found in collusion with the contractor will face graft charges.
Marcos, who personally inspected the site, expressed anger after discovering that the project, a reinforced concrete river wall, had not even been started despite the contractor having already received full payment.
The project, which is supposed to be completed this year, was brought to the president’s attention through the government’s “sumbongsapangulo.ph” website.
Marcos said the project was not on the list of flood control initiatives submitted to his office, leading to suspicions of a cover-up.
In his social media post, Marcos said SYMS Construction Trading, which is behind the project, will be charged for violating the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, among others, and will also be blacklisted.
The president said the government will also look and review the other projects of SYMS.
Marcos also warned that government officials who colluded with the contractor will face charges of graft and malversation of public funds.
The president has vowed to pursue accountability, stating that there are “no sacred cows” in the investigation and that those responsible will be held accountable, regardless of their connections. He encouraged the public to continue reporting similar anomalies through the website, assuring them that every report would be investigated.
