Ghost Projects in Bohol Denied by DPWH

DPWH REGION 7 CHIEF CLEARS BOHOL OF GHOST PROJECTS, TIGHTENS OVERSIGHT

TAGBILARAN, Bohol — The regional head of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas said no ghost projects have been found in Bohol, following a review by an independent government body, as the agency moves to tighten monitoring of infrastructure contracts across the province.

DPWH Region 7 Director Simon Arias made the statement on March 26 following a contractor assembly at Bohol Tropics Resort attended by 127 firms from across the province — a higher turnout than a similar gathering previously held in Cebu.

Arias said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure had reviewed all projects flagged for irregularities and found no ghost projects in Bohol. He said the agency had since strengthened oversight of all infrastructure works in the province to ensure transparency and prevent the kind of anomalies reported elsewhere, including in Bulacan.

The assembly, led by Arias and attended by district engineers, served as a forum to review project implementation, introduce updated policies, and reinforce agency reforms. Contractors were also given the floor to raise concerns and offer recommendations to improve service delivery and ensure smoother, more transparent project execution.

Arias presented new implementation rules covering stricter project monitoring and improvements to the fund management system, part of broader efforts by DPWH to restore public confidence following controversies over infrastructure irregularities in other regions.