The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated their denial of the alleged P15 billion worth of "ghost projects" within the organization which was echoed by Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga in his recent social media post.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP public affairs office chief, said the "claim circulating online and echoed by Barzaga appears to have been based on false or misleading information that has been proliferating on social media."

Trinidad explained that "under the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad or TIKAS Program, all project funds are released directly to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) not to the AFP."

"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 DPWH undertakes the planning, bidding, construction, and inspection of these projects, which are only turned over to the AFP once completed and accepted in accordance with government procedures," he said.

"The AFP remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public funds. 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," he added.

Following his social media, the Philippine Army announced the delisment of Barzaga from its reserve force effective September 21, 2025.

Barzaga, who was actively calling for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his facebook account, was delisted for his "actions deemed equivalent to grave offenses". Robina Asido/DMS