The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong in coordination with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, has uncovered a multimillion-peso “ghost project” in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
Documents reviewed by the commission showed that the project, a concrete revetment intended to prevent flooding in the community, was awarded to St. Timothy Construction Corp., a company owned by the Discaya family. Records indicated the project was “fully paid and completed” in 2022, with a total cost of ₱96.5 million.
However, residents told investigators that actual construction began only three weeks ago. Workers appeared to be rushing to put up structures after word spread of the inspection, raising suspicions of falsified records and fraudulent claims.
Dizon expressed anger during the site visit, stating that “it was paid in full even though nothing was finished.” He stressed that the project’s supposed completion was a clear misrepresentation and a disservice to the local community.
The revetment, once properly built, was intended to protect teachers, students, and families in the area from recurring floods. Instead, delays and irregularities left residents vulnerable to continued flooding risks while funds had already been disbursed.
