President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate blacklisting and filing of charges against a construction firm behind a “ghost” flood control project in Baliuag, Bulacan.
The President directed action against SYMS Construction Trading after personally inspecting the site in Baliuag, where he confirmed reports submitted through the sumbongsapangulo.ph website about a non-existent concrete river wall.
“Over PhP55 million was paid for a concrete river wall as early as June, but during inspection, not a single hollow block was found. Worse, this project was not even included in the DPWH’s official list of flood control projects. Why was this hidden? Shame on you!” Marcos said in a statement on his official Facebook page.
The Chief Executive stressed that the firm will not only be blacklisted but will also face cases for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019) and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.
“SYMS Construction Trading will immediately be blacklisted and prosecuted under the Revised Penal Code and RA 3019. We will also look into their other projects,” he said.
Marcos also warned that government officials who approved or conspired in the scheme will be suspended and charged.
He further encouraged the public to continue reporting irregularities through the sumbongsapangulo.ph platform.
“Together, we will put an end to corruption and ensure that public funds are used only for projects that truly serve the people,” Marcos said.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
