Ex-Governor Chavit Singson Alleges 5,500 Marcos Flood Control Projects Are ‘Ghost Projects’

Key facts

• Chavit Singson, former governor of Ilocos Sur, alleges 5,500 flood control projects are ‘ghost projects’.
• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cited the 5,500 flood control projects in his 2024 State of the Nation Address as preparation for La Niña.
• Singson says he toured various parts of the country and consulted local officials to verify the projects.
• Singson was prepared to submit an affidavit and evidence to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee but the scheduled hearing did not push through.
• Singson contacted Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson but was unable to present his testimony in the Senate.
• Senator Lacson has vowed to bring the flood control probe to the plenary and send files to the DOJ and Ombudsman.
• The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee plans to send new invitations to lawmakers allegedly involved in the anomaly.

Singson’s Allegations: A Tour of the Country Reveals No Evidence

Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson has publicly alleged that 5,500 flood control projects reported as completed by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are ‘ghost projects’—nonexistent or fabricated. Singson claims that after touring various parts of the country and consulting with local officials, he found no actual implementation of such a large number of projects. The allegation directly challenges a key claim made by President Marcos in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, where he cited the thousands of flood control projects as part of the government’s preparedness for heavier rains expected due to La Niña. The discrepancy raises questions about the administration’s infrastructure reporting and accountability.

Singson’s Attempt to Testify Before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee

Singson stated that he was ready to submit an affidavit and present evidence to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is investigating the flood control anomaly. However, the scheduled hearing did not push through, preventing him from formally airing his findings. He also said he had contacted Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson, who is leading the probe, but was unable to present his testimony in the Senate. Singson questioned the lack of opportunity to present what he claims is the truth, suggesting possible obstruction or lack of political will.

Senator Lacson’s Response and Next Steps

Senator Lacson has responded by asserting that the flood control probe cannot be stopped because the public will not forget it. He has vowed to elevate the investigation to the plenary and to send the probe report to the Department of Justice and the Ombudsman for possible prosecution. Lacson has also emphasized transparency in the probe, while Senator Cayetano has called for a full picture of the situation. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee plans to send new invitations to lawmakers allegedly involved in the anomaly, indicating that the investigation is far from over.

Background: The Flood Control Projects and the 2024 SONA

President Marcos Jr. highlighted the 5,500 flood control projects in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, presenting them as a key achievement of his administration’s infrastructure program. The projects were intended to mitigate the impact of La Niña, which brings heavier-than-normal rainfall to the Philippines. The alleged ghost projects, if proven, would represent a significant scandal, undermining public trust in the government’s disaster preparedness efforts. The controversy comes amid broader scrutiny of infrastructure spending and allegations of corruption in the public works sector.

Wider Implications and Political Fallout

The allegations have the potential to escalate into a major political crisis for the Marcos administration, especially as the Senate probe gains momentum. Singson, a former governor and political figure, brings credibility to the claims, though his motives may be questioned by administration allies. The case also highlights tensions between the executive and legislative branches, as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee pursues the investigation despite apparent resistance. The outcome could affect public perception of the government’s anti-corruption efforts and its ability to deliver on infrastructure promises.

What Comes Next: Senate Hearings and Legal Proceedings

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is expected to send new invitations to lawmakers allegedly involved in the flood control anomaly, potentially reopening hearings. Senator will be submitted to the plenary, and files will be sent to the DOJ and Ombudsman for further action. Singson has expressed willingness to cooperate but remains frustrated by the delays. The coming weeks will determine whether his testimony can be formally heard and whether the alleged ghost projects lead to criminal charges or administrative sanctions.

The bottom line

• Chavit Singson alleges 5,500 flood control projects cited by President Marcos are ghost projects, based on his own field verification.
• Singson was prepared to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee but the hearing was canceled, and he could not present his evidence.
• Senator Lacson is pushing the probe forward, planning to bring it to the plenary and refer findings to the DOJ and Ombudsman.
• The controversy threatens to undermine public trust in the Marcos administration’s infrastructure claims and disaster preparedness.
• The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will issue new invitations to lawmakers allegedly involved, signaling continued investigation.