THE claim regarding a nonexistent flood control project in Barangay Sto. Tomas, San Jacinto, Pangasinan, has been refuted by the barangay council itself. In a definitive statement, the council passed Resolution No. 12, Series of 2025, clarifying that there is no ghost flood control project in their jurisdiction, contrary to the allegations made by a certain Jaime Aquino in his recent complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The resolution emphasized that all projects executed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)—including flood mitigation efforts, drainage systems, and slope stabilization initiatives—were properly done and have successfully enhanced community protection against flooding and adverse weather.

The council reiterated that all initiatives in their area were meticulously planned, executed, and are functioning as intended, expressing gratitude to the DPWH for their contributions.

Moreover, according to the barangay council, the documents presented by Aquino in his Ombudsman complaint lack authenticity, having never been deliberated or signed by the Barangay Captain, thus branding them as fraudulent fabrications.

A mayor of western Pangasinan, whom Aquino implicated in his claims, alongside his wife—a contractor—publicly denounced Aquino’s allegations as mere fabrications aimed at extortion, though he refrained from further comment.

Aquino appears oblivious to the consequences of his actions. Previously, he fabricated a story about being an altar boy who suffered abuse at the hands of a priest. However, during an interview by reporters, he failed to recognize that the priest he accused was present in the vicinity, leading to the unraveling of his tale.

His lifetime expulsion from the National Press Club further underscores that his words should not to be trusted.

Given Aquino’s questionable credibility and history of spinning elaborate falsehoods, he and his cohorts now find themselves in serious trouble.

If one must go to Court, the Office of the Ombudsman included, he should see to it that he has clean hands, not dirty. The complainant must  have first undergone a self-examination of what he has done, even before thinking of filing a case against anyone.#