Bulacan Kickback Scandal Endangers School Safety

Photo courtesy of PhilStar

A recent Senate admission regarding corruption in Bulacan's first district public works projects has sparked outrage from teachers' groups. They condemned the compromised construction of school buildings, labeling it a significant betrayal. Allegations include funds being diverted from vital infrastructure to kickbacks, compromising student and teacher safety.

The controversy began with a testimony from former DPWH Bulacan assistant district engineer, Brice Hernandez. He revealed that since 2019, all district projects were subpar, with funds siphoned off through kickbacks. Cost-cutting measures led to the use of inferior materials, noticeably affecting infrastructure quality, including schools and hospitals.

Hernandez explained that contracts were often inflated with fake material quantities to cover unlawful commissions. The downgrading of materials, like the use of cheaper concrete, underscored the extent of corruption. Although Hernandez later described these projects as "under-designed," teachers' groups remained critical.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) expressed profound concern. ACT's Vladimer Quetua criticized the diversion of funds and the resultant unsafe conditions in classrooms. TDC's Benjo Basas called for accountability and highlighted how these malpractices worsen challenges in education and infrastructure.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara disclosed over 1,000 unfinished classrooms under the DPWH, demanding audits for all related projects. The Department of Education has directed regional offices to review DPWH projects for irregularities. The focus is on uncovering structural defects and financial misconduct within these projects.

The Office of the Ombudsman recently suspended 16 DPWH employees over flawed and ghost flood control projects. Future actions will focus on scrutinizing these projects to ensure funds are correctly allocated. Achieving accountability and securing safe educational facilities are now priorities for involved parties.

Key Takeaways

• Corruption in Bulacan has compromised essential infrastructure projects.
• Teachers' groups demand justice for unsafe buildings affecting students.
• The DepEd has initiated an audit to address project irregularities.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-09-24