Residents and netizens in Cebu are questioning a road project in Talisay City after trail riders discovered a project billboard hidden in thick vegetation in Barangay Manipis on Thursday, Sept. 25.
The billboard showed the project started on May 13, 2024, with a completion date set for December 2024. However, residents pointed out that no actual roadwork could be seen in the area, sparking allegations of a “ghost project.”
The billboard listed the project cost at ₱49,480,000. It was partially covered by overgrown grass and trees.
Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas personally visited the site the next day after the video went viral. He clarified that the project was not handled by the city government but by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
According to the DPWH, the project was meant to build an alternate road from Sitio Campinsa to Manipis. The alternate route was intended for motorists in case the usual road was closed due to landslides.
Mayor Gullas explained that the project is currently suspended because it lacks several requirements, including an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). There are also unresolved issues related to road right-of-way.
The mayor said the city government was not informed about the suspension and urged that project billboards should clearly state if construction is on hold. He stressed that this would prevent confusion and speculation among the public.
The controversy has fueled online debate about transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects.
