Rep. Paolo Duterte denies ghost projects in Davao City, challenges Rep. Tinio to inspect Luzon

Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte denied allegations of non-existent flood control projects in his district, which ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio flagged for alleged irregularities.

Tinio's review of 121 flood control projects in Davao City from 2019 to 2022, based on official government data, indicated potential overpricing, duplication, ghost projects, and unclear contract specifications for P4.35 billion worth of projects.

Duterte asserted that the structures exist, have been implemented, inspected, and validated by the DPWH and COA, and are serving the people.

He challenged Tinio to also inspect Luzon, where he said even former Ilocos Sur governor Luis Singson had cited the existence of "ghost" and substandard projects.

In response to Duterte's challenge to visit Davao, Tinio announced plans to file a House resolution next week calling for a congressional probe into the projects.

The resolution will also urge the COA, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), and the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct their own investigations.

Tinio reiterated that the data he used came directly from the DPWH website and official budget documents, which he and his team analyzed and cross-checked.