DPWH Urges DOJ to Issue Immigration Lookout Bulletins for Those Linked to Ghost Flood Control Projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue immigration lookout bulletin orders (ILBO) against several officials and contractors implicated in alleged ghost flood control projects. The move aims to prevent key individuals from leaving the country while investigations into billions worth of questionable projects continue.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that he has already signed the initial batch of lookout bulletin orders upon the request of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. He added that a second and more comprehensive list endorsed by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon will be released in the coming days. At least 26 names are expected to be covered, including regional engineers and contractors suspected of involvement in anomalous contracts.

Among those being monitored are former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara and contractors Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, who have been repeatedly flagged in Senate hearings. Investigations revealed that several projects under their names were either incomplete, substandard, or non-existent despite being fully paid by government funds.

Secretary Dizon said the lookout bulletin is a vital step to ensure accountability. He stressed that preventing implicated individuals from fleeing the country is necessary to support the Senate inquiry and the planned independent probe ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. into corruption within DPWH’s flood control programs.

The Bureau of Immigration clarified that inclusion in the ILBO does not automatically bar travel but allows authorities to closely monitor departures. Affected individuals may still leave the country unless a hold departure order or arrest warrant is issued, but they will be flagged for reporting and further action.

The issuance of lookout bulletins marks a new phase in the widening investigation into ghost flood control projects that allegedly cost taxpayers billions of pesos. Authorities said the move demonstrates government resolve to hold both contractors and officials accountable and to restore public trust in infrastructure spending.