The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) has denied allegations of “ghost infrastructure projects” in Candaba.
The agency issued the clarification in response to a video posted on Facebook by former Candaba mayor Jerry Pelayo, who raised the accusation.
Engr. Danny Canlas, chief of the Construction Section of DPWH Pampanga 1st DEO, said their office is not engaged in any “ghost projects.”
“Wala pong ghost projects sa Candaba o sa buong Pampanga 1st DEO, wala po,” said Canlas.
He explained that the projects mentioned by Pelayo have undergone the proper process, including project identification and preliminary engineering works.
Canlas added that the office strictly observes due process in the conduct of bidding and the awarding of contracts to the winning bidder.
“Dito po sa amin, may due process kapag kinokontrata ang project. May due process kaming sinusundan at hanggang doon lang po kami,” he said.
Canlas also cited the importance of the construction of flood control projects along the Malisik River.
“Marami pong pinoproteksyunan ang project doon. Kahit po kokonti ang mga nakatira doon, mahalaga pa rin po ang buhay at mga properties nila. Kapag buhay ang pinag-uusapan, lahat po importante,” he said.
He added DPWH Pampanga 1st DEO welcomes any investigation or audit of the projects they have undertaken.
“Dito po sa Pampanga 1st DEO, wala po kami ghost projects na nagawa o ginagawa. Kahit ano pong gusto nilang itanong o malaman, pwede po dahil wala kaming problema dito,” Canlas said.