MANILA— The City Government of Baliwag on Thursday denied any involvement in the alleged “ghost project” flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his inspection of a reinforced concrete river wall project in Barangay Piel.

In an official statement, the local government said the project was solely undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), noting that it was funded, implemented, and paid for by the agency, based on documents released by Malacañang.

“The project did not pass through the City Government of Baliwag, nor was any document submitted to the City Engineering Office, including coordination with any LGU office,” the statement read.

The city government echoed the President’s stance, condemning what it called a fraudulent use of public funds.

“Like the President, we strongly oppose and condemn any ‘fraudulent project,’ especially when large amounts of public funds are wasted and abused,” it said.

The LGU also vowed to strengthen coordination with national government agencies to immediately flag and address suspicious projects before public money is lost.

It expressed full support for President Marcos’ call to hold officials accountable for anomalous projects.

The President made the inspection in Purok 4, Barangay Piel, Baliwag, on Wednesday, August 20.