MANILA — Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson alleged that the 5,500 flood control projects previously cited as completed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are “ghost projects.”

In a media report, it said that Singson made the claim during a media briefing at Corinthian Gardens in Quezon City.

“Wala pong flood control projects na 5,500 na sinabi ni BBM (Marcos). Inikot ko na ang buong Pilipinas. Nakausap ko halos lahat, at sinasabi nila wala namang 5,500 na proyekto,” Singson said.

He was referring to a statement made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, where he said about 5,500 flood control projects had been completed nationwide as part of government preparations for heavy rainfall and La Niña conditions.

Singson said he coordinated with local government officials across the country to verify the projects and claimed that several of them did not exist on the ground.

The former governor made the remarks days after supporters reportedly launched a 2028 presidential bid for Vice President Sara Duterte, with Singson identified as her vice presidential running mate.

He also said he reached out to Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson regarding the matter and expressed willingness to submit evidence before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is conducting an inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Lacson chairs the committee.

Singson said he was invited to submit an affidavit and evidence on April 7 but claimed the scheduled hearing did not push through.

“Naka-ready ang affidavit ko. Nandoon na ako noon. Walang tao sa Senate. Sinunod ko lang ang sinabi ni Senator Lacson, pero sabi nila wala raw akong affidavit.

(My affidavit was ready. I was there, but there was no one at the Senate. I just followed what Sen. Lacson said, but they claimed I had no affidavit.)

“Kaya wala na akong pag-asa na makapagsalita sa Senado. Ayaw nilang malaman ang totoo,” he added.