DPWH chief dismisses ghost project claims in Taguig City

Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon reassured the Senate on Friday that no 'ghost' projects exist within Taguig City's infrastructure portfolio. The statement came during the Senate finance subcommittee's deliberations on the department's proposed 2027 budget allocation.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano raised questions about the status of various public works initiatives in the city during the hearing. His inquiry prompted Dizon to provide clarification on the department's implementation and monitoring of ongoing projects in the metropolitan area.

The exchange underscores ongoing legislative scrutiny of how infrastructure funds are allocated and executed across the country. Ghost projects—those that are funded but abandoned or underutilized—have been a persistent concern for lawmakers seeking to ensure efficient use of public resources.

Taguig City, as one of the Philippines' major commercial and residential hubs, has been a significant focus area for national infrastructure development. The DPWH's assurance aims to bolster confidence in the department's project management and accountability measures heading into budget negotiations for the fiscal year ahead.