Ghost projects, cartels and kickbacks reveal systemic rot in public works spending Last updated: May 05, 2026 | 03:57 Flood-control scam: Freeze orders had been made for the assets of key officials linked to controversial flood-control projects (clockwise, from top left): Senator Joel Villanueva and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy, Rep. Zaldy Co, retired DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and sacked DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara, it was announced on Tuesday (September 23, 2025). Bernardo has turned into a state witness. X | Senate | House of Representatives | DPWH Manila: The Philippines has long grappled with suffocating, systemic graft. The rot of institutionalised betrayal of public trust represents a deep-rooted, chronic crisis of culture. The most nauseating evidence? The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ex-Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who pledged to "return" ₱1 billion in kickbacks, as part of his "restitution" in becoming a state-witness.…