Eraserheads lead vocalist Ely Buendia has spoken out on the controversy surrounding alleged ghost flood control projects, calling the issue a disservice to Filipino taxpayers.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Wednesday at the sidelines of the 21st Cinemalaya press conference, Buendia did not mince words in expressing his disappointment.
“It’s an injustice to the people, especially to the taxpayers, I’m included din, I pay my taxes. So yeah, it’s a shame. So I hope that there will be justice for the people. That’s all I can say,” he said.
Buendia’s statement adds to the growing number of celebrities who have raised their voices over the alleged multibillion-peso corruption in infrastructure projects. Personalities such as Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, Bianca Gonzalez, Pokwang, and Bela Padilla have also urged accountability and transparency.
The controversy stemmed from revelations by former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who disclosed that some projects awarded to Wawao Builders, Inc. in Bulacan were “ghost projects.” He said the firm cornered 85 projects amounting to ₱5.9 billion, many of which had questionable implementation.
DPWH Undersecretary for Planning Services Maria Catalina Cabral later confirmed Bonoan’s claims during a Senate hearing when asked by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada if she supported the former secretary’s statement. “Yes po, Your Honor,” she replied.
In response, Malacañang recently ordered lifestyle checks on government officials, beginning with those in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
