NEWS
CDC, Korean agency ink MOU for Clark Smart City project
June 20, 2022 2:52 p.m.
CLARK FREEPORT – Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bolster their partnership in developing the Clark Smart City project in this Freeport.
CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan and LH Chief Executive Officer Kim Hyun Jun signed the pact for the “Clark Smart City Urban Development Project” during a simple ceremony held at the Clark Visitor’s Center.
Under the MOU, CDC and LH will work together to facilitate and attract potential investments, including but not limited to small and medium-sized firms that will contribute to the smart city project’s implementation.
Both parties also agreed to collaborate on enhancing trade, investment, and tourism activities in this Freeport for the efficient and successful fulfillment of the project. The smart city is envisioned to be developed in an approximately 104.8 hectares prime property within this Freeport.
In his speech, Gaerlan thanked LH for the support extended to CDC and for intensifying the developments in this Freeport.
“Clark Development Corporation values the support of the Korean Government, LH, Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND), and other counterparts since this (project) started a few months ago. We are very happy that we are now seeing the completion of the feasibility study for the project. I hope that this will be the start of a lasting partnership between CDC and LH, Korea and the Philippine government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kim expressed optimism on the smart city project and commended CDC for the warm reception and hospitality shown to them during their visit in the Freeport.
“Thank you very much to President Gaerlan, Vice President Dennis Legaspi, and other officials for welcoming LH as if we were an old friend who came from a far, despite the difficult COVID-19 situation and for finding time despite your busy schedules,” he said.
The upcoming development of the Clark Smart City project was also the fruit of the concerted efforts of CDC officials from Engineering Services Group (ESG) led by CDC Vice President Dennis C. Legaspi and Corporate Planning Division (CPD) headed by its manager Arch. Tarcisius T. Tiotuyco.
Legaspi headed and directed the submission of CDC’s proposal for the K-City Network 2021 Smart City Development Planning grant competition. The proposal presented by CDC ranked 1st among the 111 entries from 39 countries evaluated on the program administered by the Korean Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transportation (MOLIT).
In April of this year, CDC and LH formalized their commitment and collaboration on the project, which resulted in the completion of the feasibility study for the Clark Smart City Urban Development project.
The Clark Smart City development is the first project of its kind in the Philippines. It is also expected to serve as a blueprint for future developments in the Clark Special Economic Zone and other surrounding provinces.
NEWS
Rep. Atayde: No ghost projects in QC’s first district
3:30 p.m. October 27, 2025
Quezon City First District Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde reiterated that there are no “ghost projects” in his district, following a personal inspection of seven flood control and drainage projects in his district.
“There are no ghost projects with us. There’s no ghost in District One. There’s no basis for claims that these exists. Maybe there’s just a need for proper coordination so information about the projects is accurate,” Atayde said after visiting sites in Barangay Bahay Toro, Del Monte, Project 6, and San Antonio.
Atayde’s visit confirmed findings from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Quezon City 1st District Engineering Office, which stated in a September 19 letter that “all projects are verifiable on site,” referring to the seven projects questioned due to alleged lack of coordinates.
According to the DPWH, out of 66 alleged ghost projects reported in the media, only seven were located in Atayde’s district, where all of them were found to be completed or ongoing, with proper documentation, correct coordinates, and photographic evidence.
Verified projects included four flood control structures along Culiat Creek and Dario Creek in Barangay Bahay Toro, rehabilitation of Drainage Road 3 in Project 6, the West Riverside Pumping Station in Barangay Del Monte, and a flood control structure along San Francisco River in Barangay San Antonio.
Atayde said five of the seven projects were completed, while two were suspended due to pending issues.
He also visited two additional flood control projects to assess their status – one completed along Dario Creek and one suspended along Mariblo Creek.
Atayde assured to his constituents that public funds were used properly and allegations of ghost projects are “baseless”.
“The projects are not ghosts – they can be seen, touched, and are beneficial. It looks like Halloween came early for some people,” Atayde said.
He also called on those who accused him of benefiting from these projects to verify their information first.
Atayde emphasized he couldn’t benefit from these DPWH projects as they’re already in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), and he couldn’t unilaterally include them in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as he’s not a member of the bicameral conference committee.
“We all want to end corruption and jail the corrupt, but we won’t succeed if we punish the wrong people,” the lawmaker said.
He further reiterated the DPWH’s assertion that there are no ghost projects in Atayde’s district.
“The evidence speaks for itself, and the evidence speaks the truth,” Atayde said.
NEWS
COA uncovers more fraud in Bulacan flood control projects, files new reports with ICI
6:30 p.m. October 26, 2025
The Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four additional Fraud Audit Reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), exposing further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.
These reports detail cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and the use of substandard materials, leading to significant public funds being misspent.
SYMS Construction Trading
Balagtas River Project (P46.35 million): Despite full payment, no real construction was found at the approved site. DPWH representatives directed COA to a different location where a structure made of unsuitable materials and exposed steel bars was observed. DPWH’s own records showed 0.00% completion.
Maycapiz-Taliptip River Project (P92.59 million): This project was reported as 100% accomplished and fully paid, yet COA found no flood control structure during inspection, labeling it a “ghost project.”
L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc. and M3 Konstract Corporation (Joint Venture)
Barangay Piel, Baliuag Project (P96.50 million): Satellite imagery revealed an existing flood control structure at the approved site even before the contract began. DPWH pointed COA to an incorrect site, where an existing structure failed to meet project specifications.
DARCY & ANNA BUILDERS & TRADING
Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy Project (P74.11 million): Despite a supposed completion date of October 3, 2024, satellite images and COA’s inspection confirmed no structure was built at the approved site.
In all cases, DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO failed to provide crucial supporting documents to COA, hindering validation of the projects.
Individuals Held Liable
Several individuals from DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO have been identified as liable, including District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto C. Galang, along with various project engineers and company representatives from the involved contractors.
Those implicated may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Revised Penal Code for malversation and falsification of documents, and violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
These audit findings will support the ICI’s ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities. COA Chairperson Cordoba’s directive on August 12, 2025, initiated an immediate audit of all DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022, to May 30, 2025. This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 Fraud Audit Reports already submitted to oversight bodies, reinforcing COA’s commitment to transparency and protecting public funds, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for accountability. Additional reports are expected as the audit continues.
NEWS
DITO delivers superior network performance, turning digital aspirations into possibilities
8:11 p.m. August 28, 2025
DITO Telecommunity showcased how superior connectivity transforms Filipino digital aspirations into achievable realities during the successful media launch of the telco’s latest campaign, Kaya DITO, held at Manila House, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Built on True 5G standalone technology and as validated by a global leader in mobile analytics and insights, Opensignal, as the Philippines’ Fastest Mobile Network, DITO’s ecosystem proves that the Filipino telecommunity’s demand for seamless network connectivity, value-driven services and unified digital experience aren’t distant possibilities, but today’s basic expectations—this challenges what the telco industry has long normalized.
“For too long, outages, dropped calls, and overpriced data have been treated as normal. Let us say it bluntly: It is not normal. Every Filipino has limitless potential when equipped with the right tools, and the game is now changing since DITO has joined the fray and taken up the cause to disrupt the status quo—to deliver inclusive, next-gen technology to the Filipino people. “Kaya DITO!” is our battle cry to symbolically break that cycle, because we truly believe that Filipinos deserve better,” shared by DITO Telecommunity President Eric Alberto in the event.
The Telco that Truly Takes Care of its Users
DITO’s prepaid solutions eliminate the frustration of wasted data through Level-Up Packs with ViLTE technology, making DITO the primary telco offering unlimited DITO-to-DITO HD video calls and unli mobile calls. Combined with Viber and Prime Video inclusions and flexible data packages with longer validity periods, users can now maximize their every peso without worrying about abruptly expiring data allocations.
The Telco that Offers Value-Packed Postpaid Plans
DITOFlexPlan 888 redefines what postpaid should offer—comprehensive inclusions and generous data at prices that make sense for Filipino budgets. Whether you choose SIM-only or device bundles, these plans prove that premium network performance doesn’t have to break the bank, empowering users to pursue their goals without connectivity compromises.
The Telco that Brings True 5G Home Internet Convenience
DITO WoWFi Pro 365 makes home connectivity effortless with a year-long unlimited connection that works when you need it. Families enjoy the convenience of reliable internet for work, study, and entertainment without the inconvenience of data top-ups and complicated installations; just network performance that simplifies your digital life at home. Just ask any of your relatives and friends who have already ditched ordinary WiFi and jumped onto WoWFi— they will tell you what you’ve been missing out on.
The Telco that Built Everything You Need in One App
The DITO App represents one of the industry’s most comprehensive digital platforms, built from the ground up to handle the entire customer journey. From SIM and load purchase to account management and a wide range of OTT apps, users enjoy complete digital control with custom special offers, DITO Rewards points, and 24/7 customer support—managing everything while earning exclusive benefits.
Rep. Atayde: No ghost projects in QC’s first district
COA uncovers more fraud in Bulacan flood control projects, files new reports with ICI
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
