AFP Refutes Claims of P15 Billion Ghost Projects as Disinformation

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) issued a firm denial on Thursday regarding allegations of P15-billion ghost projects supposedly linked to the military, emphasizing that the funds in question are part of the TIKAS Program that falls exclusively under Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) management.

In their statement, the AFP specifically addressed claims targeting AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., calling accusations that he violated the Philippine Military Academy Honor Code “completely false” and fabricated to damage his reputation.

“No complaint, investigation, or finding exists to support this accusation,” the AFP statement read. “Furthermore, the AFP categorically denies receiving P15 billion from Representative Martin Romualdez for ‘ghost projects.'”

The military organization urged the public to maintain vigilance against recycled and misleading narratives, stressing the importance of relying on official and credible information sources. The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

The controversy stems from issues raised during Senate budget deliberations in October 2023, when Senate finance committee chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian flagged concerns about unfinished DPWH projects intended for the Philippine Air Force under the TIKAS program. This infrastructure initiative was designed to improve military facilities but has faced implementation challenges and delays.

Following these Senate hearings, the Department of National Defense (DND) recommended scrapping the unfinished military infrastructure projects that had been under DPWH supervision. The recommendation came after thorough review of project implementation timelines and completion status.

The TIKAS Program, which stands for Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (Building Infrastructure for Peace and Security), was established to enhance and modernize military installations throughout the country. The program aims to support the AFP modernization efforts through infrastructure development, though its implementation has been marred by delays and allegations of mismanagement.

Military infrastructure projects are crucial components of the Philippines’ defense capabilities, especially as the country navigates complex regional security challenges, including territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea and ongoing internal security threats.

Since the Senate hearings, the AFP has consistently worked to clarify what it describes as misleading social media posts connecting the questioned projects to military leadership. These clarifications form part of the AFP’s broader efforts to maintain public trust and ensure transparent communication regarding military affairs.

The controversy highlights the challenges of inter-agency coordination in implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, especially those involving national security interests. The separation of responsibilities between the AFP, DND, and DPWH creates a complex environment for accountability and project oversight.

Public concern over potential misuse of government funds remains significant in the Philippines, where infrastructure projects have historically been vulnerable to corruption and inefficiencies. The AFP’s repeated denials reflect the sensitivity of such allegations in a context where public trust in government institutions remains fragile.

The military establishment continues to emphasize that while it is the intended beneficiary of the TIKAS projects, the implementation, funding management, and execution responsibility rests with the DPWH, not the AFP.

As this issue develops, scrutiny is likely to increase on infrastructure projects managed across multiple government agencies, potentially prompting reforms in procurement, implementation, and oversight mechanisms for military infrastructure development.