DA probes alleged ‘ghost’ farm-to-market road project in Guinobatan, Albay

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched an inspection into an alleged “ghost” farm-to-market road (FMR) project in Barangay Lower Binogsacan, Guinobatan.

This comes after the agency’s internal audit service discovered that a supposed one-kilometer FMR project was never implemented.

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In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said auditors reported that the road had been relocated following a request from a former district representative in April 2021.

The issue is reportedly linked to an “unspecified right-of-way” and “environmental constraints.”

A road marker was also found bearing the label “2019 FMR,” indicating the project’s supposed year of completion—raising further questions about its timeline and authenticity.

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Laurel said an investigation is underway to determine accountability and to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent similar irregularities in future projects.

(PHOTO COURTESY: DA)