Manila: One of the 15 contractors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), included by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in the list of holders of anomalous flood control deals, may be behind several 'ghost projects' in Bulacan province. At the first hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada identified the firm as Wawao Builders, one of the 15 contractors, and added SYMS Contractor.

According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada reported receiving information about ghost projects in Calumpit, Malolos, and Hagonoy in Bulacan. The contractors allegedly involved are Wawao Builders and SYMS Contractor. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed the report, revealing that out of more than PHP9 billion worth of projects awarded to Wawao Builders nationwide, 85 projects amounting to PHP5.97 billion were in Bulacan. Some of these projects appeared to be non-existent.

DPWH records indicate that Wawao Builders is owned by Mark Allan Arevalo, while SYMS Construction is a sole proprietorship owned by Sally Nicolas Santos. Between 2022 and 2025, Wawao reportedly completed 58 flood control projects worth PHP4.2 billion, while SYMS delivered 16 projects totaling PHP931.2 million. Estrada has urged the DPWH to hold accountable those responsible for the anomalies, and Bonoan assured lawmakers that charges would be filed, stating, "Anybody who is involved in the implementation of that kind of project has to be answerable."

Bulacan, along with Metro Manila and the provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro, and Ilocos Norte, is identified in the National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050) as among the most flood-prone areas in the country. Some towns in Bulacan suffer from yearlong floods, even during the hot dry season when high tide is in effect. The towns of Hagonoy, Paombong, and Bulakan, as well as the City of Malolos, are also surrounded by fish cages and fish farms.