MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman is conducting a fact-finding investigation into an alleged “ghost internet” scheme involving government information technology projects, with the probe focusing on the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said investigators are examining whether government-funded connectivity projects delivered the services promised under their contracts.
“We have uncovered a scheme that we are calling ‘ghost internet’,” Clavano said during a press conference Friday. “The investigation will center around the DICT.”
Clavano said the inquiry includes the government’s Free Wi-Fi for All program, where some sites allegedly have routers and other hardware but no working internet connection.
He said the government pays billions of pesos for IT systems with specific hardware and software requirements. According to Clavano, a potential loophole arises when inspectors verify the hardware but fail to verify whether the required software actually works.
“A contractor can install cheaper, outdated, or even fake software while still charging the government full price for the real thing,” Clavano said.
The Ombudsman will examine whether contracted sites were installed and operational, whether the government paid for connectivity or other services that contractors did not deliver, and whether contractors charged reasonable prices for hardware, software and services.
Investigators will also determine who approved, certified or authorized payments for projects that may not have delivered the contracted services.
The Ombudsman has not identified specific contractors, projects or officials involved in the alleged scheme. The investigation remains at the fact-finding stage, and authorities have not made findings of liability.
DICT welcomes investigation
DICT said it welcomes the Ombudsman’s inquiry despite not receiving a formal notice as of Sunday.
“Although no formal notice has been received from the Office of the Ombudsman to date, the DICT proactively welcomes the inquiry,” the agency said.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda has directed the agency to strengthen governance, monitoring and accountability measures for the Free Wi-Fi for All program, the department said.
The agency said it has tightened service-level agreement enforcement, strengthened contract management, conducted regular internal audits and increased performance validation.
DICT also said it upgraded its Network Monitoring System to provide real-time visibility of Free Wi-Fi sites nationwide. The system allows the agency to monitor access points, track service disruptions and verify provider performance.
The department said it stands ready to provide records, technical information and system data needed for the Ombudsman’s investigation.
