Malacanang: Newly appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon announced that contractors involved in ghost projects will be blacklisted for life. Dizon stated this during a press briefing, emphasizing his commitment to eliminating illegal activities within government projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon has already secured permission from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to implement a lifetime ban on private firms found guilty of participating in ghost projects. Dizon declared, "These ghost projects and substandard projects... the contractors of these ghost projects... will face a lifetime blacklisting, ban, immediately."

Dizon further explained that there will be no investigations against contractors proven to be involved in illegal activities. He stated, "When a project of a contractor is (a) ghost (project) or proven to be substandard, there is no more process, no more investigation, that contractor is automatically blacklisted for life."

An independent body will be formed by President Marcos to investigate illegal projects, especially those related to flood control. Dizon mentioned that the findings will be forwarded to this commission for further action against those involved. He added, "They will investigate and file appropriate cases against DPWH staff, contractors, and others involved in these projects that were really 'thrown into the river,' to use the words of our President."

Dizon took his oath as the new DPWH chief on Monday, replacing Manuel Bonoan, who resigned on Sunday. Before his new role, Dizon served as the head of the Department of Transportation for six months. The DPWH is set to undergo a major overhaul following the discovery of substandard and ghost flood control projects.