Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Agatha Gregorio

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has confirmed that wrong coordinates for flood control projects were submitted and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan or staff from the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office was behind this. There were also fewer than 421 “ghost” projects, Remulla said.‘Yung 421 ghost projects is much less. Hindi siya 421. Maybe 30%. Ang “ghost,” baka less pa… Pero nung tinitingnan namin ‘yung 421 ghost, marami talaga improbable. Kaya alam namin nanggaling rin sa 1st District Bulacan ang coordinates na binago para ‘yan ang mangyari,” Remulla said in a press briefing on Thursday.“It’s Secretary Bonoan or the people within the 1st engineering district of Bulacan who did it. Basta may nagmali talaga nung coordinates para hindi siya ma-geotag nang tama,” Remulla added.Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/14/ex-dpwh-sec-bonoan-gave-wrong-coordinates-of-flood-control-projects-lacson-2126">earlier alleged</a> Bonoan gave the wrong coordinates for flood control projects to Malacañang potentially to throw off the probe.  This was also used for the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, Lacson said.The DPWH previously talked about identifying <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/9/dpwh-uncovers-421-ghost-projects-out-of-8-000-inspected-1030">421 ghost projects</a>, mostly for flood control.<div> </div><div>OMBUDSMAN ‘DEEPLY INTO INVESTIGATION’ OF ROMUALDEZ</div>The Office of the Ombudsman is “deeply into” the investigation of former House speaker Rep. Martin Romualdez, Remulla said after being asked about the alleged links between the Discayas and Romualdez.More updates on the House lawmaker can be expected next week, Remulla added.“We’re deeply into the investigation of former speaker Martin Romualdez. And you will get more news next week about him,” Remulla said. Romualdez’s spokesperson, Atty. Ade Fajardo, <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/14/allegations-claiming-romualdez-used-discayas-as-front-in-property-purchase-baseless-says-lawyer-1918">earlier denied claims</a> the congressman used Sarah and Curlee Discaya as “front” to buy a property in Makati.<div> </div><div>‘UNIVERSE OF CABRAL FILES’ UNDER STUDY  </div>The ombudsman is also studying the “universe” of the “Cabral files,” Remulla said.Remulla bared plans to file a case at the Sandiganbayan on Friday, but refused to give further details at this time.“We&#x27;re studying the universe of the files. Kasi nga planning office ‘yan. We have to look at the dynamics of the DPWH. ‘Di pa kumpleto. ‘Di pa kami nag-first conference with them because we were so busy for the past few weeks putting together everything. Kasi tuluy-tuloy ito. Tomorrow we&#x27;re filing a case sa Sandiganbayan. Tomorrow or Monday,” Remulla said.<div> </div><div>ALLEGED ‘SPIN’ BY VILLANUEVA’S LAWYER</div>Senator Joel Villanueva’s lawyer, Ramon Esguerra, is simply “spinning” information “to get a good deal” for his client, Remulla said in reference to rumors of individuals such as former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara planning to recant previous statements.“May iba pang evidence na tumatayo diyan. So we&#x27;re not worried about that. But probably ‘pag nagkaroon ng pagkakataon baka kausapin ko ‘tong mga accused na ito para ipaliwanag sa kanila na playing hardball here will not be favourable for them kasi andoon na. Nakalabas na lahat ‘yan. Mayroon na silang testimony sa Senate. Nag-testify na sila under oath. Babawiin mo pa ngayon ‘yan. Magdadagdag ka pa ng problema eh may problema ka na,” Remulla said.“Baka naman they&#x27;re not well-advised. And the guy spinning it is the lawyer of Joel Villanueva… Siyempre trying to get a good deal for Joel siguro,” Remulla added. Alcantara’s lawyer already said Alcantara <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/13/alcantara-back-at-doj-for-witness-protection-program-proceedings-1349">would not be recanting</a> his prior statements.Villanueva is facing a <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/5/villanueva-submits-counter-affidavit-on-ridiculous-flood-control-cases-1525">complaint for graft</a>, according to his lawyer.ABS-CBN News is reaching out to the senator for comment.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed wrong coordinates for flood control projects were submitted and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan or staff from the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office was behind this.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed wrong coordinates for flood control projects were submitted and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan or staff from the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office was behind this.

Remulla confirms Bonoan's DPWH gave wrong coordinates in flood control projects

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

Remulla confirms Bonoan's DPWH gave wrong coordinates in flood control projects

Agatha Gregorio,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 15, 2026 07:47 PM PHT

Read More:

Ombudsman

Crispin Remulla

flood control

ghost project

ABSnews

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.