THE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on Thursday denied allegations of a ‘ghost’ irrigation project by the slain whistleblower.
This, following the death of former NIA legal researcher Niruh Kyle Antatico, who posted accusations against the agency’s project and reportedly received death threats before his murder.
During a Senate hearing on the agency’s proposed 2026 budget, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen clarified that the alleged ‘ghost’ project of the agency, the Maguing Communal Irrigation Project (CIP), was completed during the previous administration.
‘I want to reiterate that the projects he is referring to are projects of the previous administration. They funded, bidded, and completed it during that time,’ Guillen said.
He noted, however, that the CIP in Lanao del Sur sustained damage in 2023 due to torrential downpours, but it was repaired the following year.
For her part, Mindanao Island Projects Coordinator (MIPC) Salome Layasan explained that a recent ocular visit showed the CIP was being used by the farmers and therefore operational.
‘From there, at the dam, we can see water upstream of the dam flowing toward the intake, which goes toward the main canal in full capacity. We can also see that the physical structure of the dam is in place,’ Layasan said.
‘We didn’t see the pictures on social media that raised questions about the project’s integrity. In fact, we have farmers who are using water to plant. So, it’s operational.’
‘Moral crisis’
The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recently condemned the killing of Antatico, calling it a ‘moral crisis’ that lays bare how corruption and impunity continue to undermine public trust in institutions meant to serve the people.
In a statement, Caritas Philippines said the death of Antatico shows the worsening danger faced by Filipinos who expose wrongdoing in government.
‘When truth-tellers are silenced and no one is held responsible, a culture of impunity thrives. It sends a chilling message that to speak truth to power is dangerous, and that those in authority can act without consequence,’ said Caritas Philippines President and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo. ‘This is not only a tragedy-it is a moral crisis that demands action.’
Bagaforo said Antatico’s killing should not be seen as an isolated crime but as part of a broader failure to protect those who stand up against corruption.
The bishop also urged the NIA, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that justice is served not just by arresting the perpetrators but also by holding accountable those implicated in the irregularities Antatico had exposed.
‘The farmers of our nation deserve irrigation systems that give life, not corruption that drains it away,’ he said.