Philstar.com
October 24, 2025 | 7:05am
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga Jr.’s claim of P15 billion in “ghost projects” it was involved in.
“The claim circulating online and echoed by Representative Kiko Barzaga appears to have been based on false or misleading information that has been proliferating on social media,” the military said in a statement.
Barzaga, who was officially delisted from the Philippine Army Reserve Force earlier this week, had questioned the integrity of the military’s infrastructure program under the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) initiative.
The military clarified that under the TIKAS program, all project funds are transferred directly to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which handles bidding, construction and inspection.
“The AFP’s role is limited to identifying infrastructure requirements such as barracks, hospitals, training facilities, and access roads that are essential to mission readiness,” the AFP said.
Once the project is completed, it is turned over to the Armed Forces.
“We continue to work closely with the DPWH and other government agencies to ensure that every infrastructure project serves the welfare of our troops and the needs of national defense,” it said.
In its statement, the AFP also warned public officials to verify claims before issuance.
Army reiterates Barzaga’s removal
The delisting of Barzaga from the rank of Army private and prohibition from wearing military uniform was announced on Wednesday, October 22. This was after Barzaga, who is facing a House of Representatives ethics committee case over his disruptive behavior, also encouraged participation in what the military deemed “seditious” protests in uniform.
In a separate statement on Thursday, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the privileges of those in the reserve force “come with the corresponding responsibility to uphold the principles, ethics, and decorum expected of members of the military organization.”
“The delisting of Representative Barzaga underscores the Army’s commitment of ensuring that all members—active or reserve—strictly adhere to the standards of conduct that preserve the integrity and trust of the Armed Forces.