MANILA – To determine the so-called “ghost projects,” President Rodrigo Duterte ordered an audit of all projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During his address to the public on Thursday, President Duterte said these “ghost projects” are being used for corrupt practices “shortchanging” the government.
“The best way is to conduct an audit of those projects to determine if they are ghost projects or not, and I think they are plenty,” Duterte said. “For the longest time, wala masyadong imbestigasyon diyan, pero kayong may kasalanan diyan sa mga gano’n, I advise you to resign now.”
“Resign now kasi pagdating ng panahon… makita ninyo, you’ll be prosecuted administratively and criminally at walang patawaran dito,” he added.
President Duterte earlier ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to form a task force to investigate allegations of corruption “in the entire government.”
The DOJ may also prosecute and file appropriate charges against those involved in anomalies, according to Duterte, but he said resignation would not prevent dishonest officials from facing administrative or criminal charges.
The mega task force, headed by the DOJ, is composed of the National Bureau of Investigation, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Office of the Special Assistant to the President, National Prosecution Service, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
DOJ will also invite the Commission on Audit, the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman to work together with the task force, with due consideration for their independence as constitutional bodies./PN
