QUEZON CITY, Philippines – In a strong repudiation of corruption allegations, actor-turned-politician Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde of Quezon City’s First District has categorically denied the existence of “ghost projects” within his constituency. The lawmaker made his assertion following a personal, on-site inspection of several highly scrutinized flood control and drainage projects, maintaining that his conscience remains clear despite continuous public scrutiny.
The issue stems from a wider, highly publicized flood control controversy gripping the country, where the names of multiple legislators and government officials were implicated. Specifically, Atayde was drawn into the controversy by the claims of contractors, the Deskaya couple, who alleged that lawmakers received millions in kickbacks from these infrastructure projects.
In his first major statement directly addressing the controversy after the allegations surfaced, Congressman Atayde moved to put the rumors to rest through a tangible demonstration of transparency.
🔍 On-Site Verification: Dispelling the ‘Ghost’ Narrative
Cong. Atayde’s denial was delivered immediately after he conducted a thorough personal inspection of seven flood control and drainage projects located across key areas of the First District, including Barangay Bahay Toro, Del Monte, Project 6, and San Antonio.
The congressman’s message was unambiguous and assertive, directly challenging the notion that public funds were allocated to non-existent works.
“There are no ghost projects with us. There’s no ghost in District One. There’s no basis for claims that these are nonexistent,” Rep. Atayde stated. “Maybe there’s just a need for proper coordination so information about the projects is accurate. To see is to believe.”
His visit served to validate the prior findings of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Quezon City First District Engineering Office. The DPWH had previously issued a report confirming that “all projects are verifiable on site”, directly contradicting the widely circulated allegations.
📊 DPWH Findings: Project Accountability Confirmed
According to the official DPWH report cited by Atayde’s office, an extensive internal review was conducted in response to media reports concerning alleged phantom projects nationwide. The findings brought sharp focus to the status of infrastructure within his district:
Out of the 66 alleged “ghost projects” reported across various media outlets, only seven were located within Rep. Atayde’s district.
Crucially, all seven projects were verified to be either fully completed or actively ongoing.
Each verified project was supported by proper documentation, correct geographical coordinates, and photographic evidence, confirming their tangible existence and progress.
Among the projects that have been confirmed and verified through this inspection are:
Four flood control structures located along the Culiat Creek and Dario Creek in Barangay Bahay Toro.
The rehabilitation of drainage systems along Road 3 in Project 6.
The establishment of the West Riverside Pumping Station in Barangay Del Monte.
A flood control project situated at the San Francisco River in Barangay San Antonio.
Atayde further clarified the status of the construction work: five of the seven projects have been completed, while the remaining two projects are currently suspended due to pending right-of-way or other logistical issues, but are clearly not non-existent.
💬 Halloween Came Early: A Scathing Rebuke to Critics
The actor-turned-congressman used strong, slightly theatrical language to dismiss the politically charged attacks, making a clear distinction between existing infrastructure and fabrication.
“The projects are not ghosts—they can be seen, touched, and are beneficial,” he remarked. “It looks like Halloween came early for some people.”
He also vehemently denied the core allegation that he personally benefited from any DPWH contracts, particularly the claims of receiving kickbacks from the Deskaya couple. In his earlier statements, Atayde had “categorically” denied the allegations, maintaining that he had never engaged in dealings with the contractors in relation to public works. He asserted that his political position has never been used for personal gain and vowed to use all legal remedies to clear his name.
The public defense by Rep. Atayde highlights the increasing pressure on public officials to maintain radical transparency, especially amid widespread concerns over government spending on infrastructure. His proactive approach, opting for an on-site, verifiable inspection, is a strategic move to directly counter the narrative of corruption and assure his constituents that public funds are being utilized responsibly to address the critical issue of urban flooding.
