DPWH bans contractors for ghost projects

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced a lifetime ban for contractors involved in ghost projects and substandard works, a policy cleared by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

The ban has been imposed on Wawao Builders and Syms Construction Trading for "ghost" flood control projects in Bulacan.

Wawao Builders was contracted for a P96 million project in Barangay Sipat, Plaridel, Bulacan, declared 100% completed and paid in full in July 2024, despite construction only starting three weeks prior to the DPWH secretary's recent visit.

Dizon described the project as "dead" but being "revived" because it was already paid for, noting the contractor only began work as investigations intensified.

He stated that charges will be recommended against the two firms with the Department of Justice.

Wawao Builders is also identified as one of the top contractors previously revealed by Marcos Jr. to have secured major flood control projects between July 2022 and May 2025.