09 September 2025 | News by PACC
The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), under the leadership of Chairman Doc. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD, has issued a strong nationwide call for Local Chief Executives (LCEs) — Governors, City Mayors, and Municipal Mayors — to unite against corruption by exposing anomalies, irregularities, and ghost projects in their jurisdictions.
“Gagawin natin ito para sa Bayan,†Chairman Ceniza declared, stressing that silence and inaction only fuel collusion between politicians, contractors, and government officials. He underscored that transparency at the local level is a critical weapon in dismantling entrenched corruption in government infrastructure programs, particularly in agencies handling billions of pesos in projects such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Department of Transportation (DOTr).
In a related development, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, on behalf of the Executive Branch, issued a strong statement rebuking efforts by certain Members of the House of Representatives to divert attention from their own corruption and failures:
“The Executive Secretary strongly objects to the recent spins coming from certain members of the House of Representatives who are thereby attempting to shift the blame for their own corruption and failures onto the Executive Branch. The Members of the Cabinet will not tolerate any attack on the integrity and reputation of the Executive Branch, and any effort to hold the budget process hostage by political theatrics.
All our investigations into the anomalies will be futile if the sources of corruption remain unchecked. Hence, we urge the House of Representatives to heed the demand of the people for full accountability: CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FIRST!â€
Chairman Ceniza welcomed this firm position, saying it is high time for both national and local leaders to unite in holding all branches of government accountable, particularly in areas where anomalies are most entrenched.
Chairman Ceniza highlighted several recent examples of courageous local officials who took a stand against corruption:
1. Governor Humerlito “Bonz†Dolor (Oriental Mindoro): Exposed ₱18 billion worth of anomalous flood control projects and budget insertions in the 2025 GAA, stressing that local governments were not consulted.
2. Governor Pamela Baricuatro (Cebu): Revealed unfinished bulk water projects worth ₱180.42 million linked to contractor Cezarah Rowena Discaya and her firm St. Gerard Construction General Contractor & Development Corp.
3. Mayor Vico Sotto (Pasig City): Accused DPWH contractors tied to the Discayas of anomalous bidding and ghost projects; denounced Rep. Momo as “hipokrito†for investigating projects he is allegedly involved in.
4. Mayor Sebastian Duterte (Davao City): Called for a probe into Speaker Martin Romualdez’s unexplained surge in net worth from ₱200 million in 2022 to ₱3 billion in 2025.
5. Mayor Benjamin Magalong (Baguio City): Exposed massive overpricing in rock netting projects (₱25,000/sq.m. vs ₱6,000 actual cost) and revealed testimonies that politicians routinely demand 40% cuts from infrastructure funds.
“These examples must inspire all Local Chief Executives nationwide,†Chairman Ceniza emphasized. “By exposing corruption and ghost projects, our leaders can protect their people, safeguard public funds, and restore accountability in government service.â€
The PACC Chairman warned that anomalies in public works not only waste taxpayers’ money but also endanger lives, as substandard and ghost projects deprive communities of reliable infrastructure, clean water, and disaster protection.
He assured that the PACC will stand firmly with LCEs who demonstrate courage, providing support for:
– Thorough investigations into anomalies,
– Comprehensive lifestyle checks not only of contractors but also of politicians and government officials, including those who frequently travel abroad — in close coordination with the Bureau of Immigration to monitor questionable overseas trips,
– And legal actions against unscrupulous public officials and private firms.
“This fight is not only about infrastructure — it is about justice, accountability, and nation-building,†Chairman Ceniza said. “The Filipino people deserve safe, strong, and sustainable projects, not ghost structures that collapse under the weight of corruption. Together, let us end the conspiracy of silence and restore the people’s trust in public service.â€
Source: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122172770786505518&id=61565165545487&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=AEFRVKbmECbbs0FH#