An Australian audit confirms that six flood control projects exist in Oriental Mindoro and suggests changes.

Manila, Philippines - September 15, 2025 - An environmental consulting organization located in Australia has established that there are six flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro, putting to rest claims that the projects were "ghost projects." However, the auditors pointed up a number of things that need to be fixed.

Projects do exist in Oriental Mindoro

"We checked that all six projects are actual, working, and at different levels of development after visiting them in person. Annabelle Tungol, a licensed chemical engineer and Master Environmental Auditor from Artea Green Ventures, said, "These have been audited and cleared of ghost project claims."

The Australian government website says that Artea Green Ventures does compliance auditing, independent audits, ESG consulting, and sustainable infrastructure solutions in Australia and the Philippines. The company works with Movementsoft Inc. in the Philippines. Movementsoft Inc. is an ICT provider that currently works for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Annabelle Tungol explained to the media that six flood control projects do exist; however, improvements are needed on the existing structures. - Image Source: Philippine Star / Miguel De Guzman

Tungol and four other auditors looked at six dikes and esplanades in Naujan that people said were fake projects.

From the point of view of Australian safety management, auditor Collin McPherson of JCM Solutions pointed out some problems. "Some problems have to do with safety gear for workers, exclusion zones, and design features." McPherson said that changes in these areas might make the projects last longer and be more durable.

The audit study said that the projects mostly followed design criteria and already had solar-powered lights and erosion prevention in place. It also discovered proof of continued community consultations and active supervision.

Still, auditors identified isolated issues including exposed rebars, fissures in the concrete, and incorrect garbage disposal, which were largely attributed to one unnamed contractor.

The report said, "Even though claims of ghost projects were proven wrong, systemic changes are still needed to protect the long-term integrity of flood control infrastructure."

The audit suggested that contractors be evaluated more strictly, that construction workers receive mandated safety training, and that independent audits be done on a regular basis to increase openness and public trust.

The DPWH has already said that officials and contractors who were supposedly involved in strange flood control schemes in Oriental Mindoro could be charged with crimes. Sunwest Inc., St. Timothy Construction Corporation, Elite General Contractor, and Development Corporation are all companies that are involved.

Vince Dizon, the DPWH Secretary, looked over the projects himself, but he said it was hard to find at least three of the projects that were in the 2024 national budget.

The DPWH filed a graft complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday against 20 agency officials and four contractors in connection with the alleged problems.