A shadow hangs over flood-control projects in Bulacan, as the Bureau of Internal Revenue cracks down on alleged fraud. Two construction firms, IM Construction Corp. and SYMS Construction Trading, now face criminal charges for what authorities describe as “ghost” projects and deliberate tax evasion.
The accusations are stark: millions of pesos paid out for work that was never actually done. Newly appointed BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza wasted no time lodging complaints with the Department of Justice, alleging fictitious expenses, underreported income, and deliberately falsified tax declarations.
The combined tax deficiencies assessed against the two companies total P13.8 million – a figure that represents only a fraction of the potential financial damage. Mendoza vowed relentless pursuit of those who exploit public funds, promising to recover every illegally obtained peso and press criminal charges until the practice is eradicated.
Specifically, IM Construction Corp. allegedly received full payment for a pumping station and flood gate in Hagonoy, Barangay Sto. Rosario. But when investigators arrived, they found nothing – no structure, no evidence of construction, only a phantom project built on fabricated costs and false claims.
The situation mirrored itself with SYMS Construction Trading, which collected the entire contract amount for a reinforced river wall in Baliuag, Barangay Piel. Inspectors discovered the same unsettling truth: no river wall existed, and the company’s claims were entirely unsubstantiated.
These cases aren’t isolated incidents. The BIR has now filed a total of twelve criminal complaints connected to questionable flood-control projects. The total potential tax liability under investigation has ballooned to a staggering P8.87 billion.
The repercussions extend beyond the BIR’s investigation. The Department of Public Works and Highways has also filed separate complaints against the two contractors, alleging bid-rigging and manipulation – further deepening the scandal and raising serious questions about the integrity of the bidding process.
The unfolding investigation signals a determined effort to hold accountable those who profit from deception and compromise vital infrastructure projects. It’s a clear message: transparency and accountability are now at the forefront of public works oversight.
