BIR joins probe into anomalous flood control projects

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will join the investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s disclosure of construction companies that received large contracts.

Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. said the bureau would collaborate with government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways to investigate tax compliance and verify if ghost projects were completed or have any outstanding tax payments.

Lumagui also mentioned that even ghost projects, where contractors are paid but no work is done, will be scrutinized as part of this investigation.

President Marcos ordered an inquiry into flood mitigation projects during his State of the Nation Address in July, after severe flooding affected the country.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee began its own inquiry into alleged anomalies in these flood control projects on Tuesday, and DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the agency is validating reports of ghost flood control projects worth P5.9 billion in Bulacan.

Lumagui emphasized that whatever results come from the investigations, the BIR will request reports and documents for further analysis.