Camille Naredo

NTF-ELCAC USec Ernesto Torres holds a press conference at the Premiere Guesthouse in Malacañang late  August 31, 2023. Yummie Dingding, PPA pool/File

The executive committee of the NTF- ELCAC CORDS (Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security) (L-R) TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangundadatu (Cabinet Office for Regional Devt and Security for NCR Region), National Security Adviser Sec. Eduardo Año (Co-Vice Chair, NTF-ELCAC) and USec Ernesto Torres
Exec Dir, NTF-ELCAC Secretariat holds a press conference at the Premiere Guesthouse in Malacañang late  August 31, 2023. During the press conference the NTF-ELCAC execom announced changes in the organization as well as new member agencies. The CORDS are designated to to oversee the peace and development efforts in every region of the country. Yummie Dingding, PPA pool

Article (news)

NTF-ELCAC

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175933340686820230831-ntf-elcac-cords-presscon-PPA-12.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="NTF-ELCAC USec Ernesto Torres holds a press conference at the Premiere Guesthouse in Malacañang late August 31, 2023. Yummie Dingding, PPA pool/File"/>NTF-ELCAC USec Ernesto Torres holds a press conference at the Premiere Guesthouse in Malacañang late  August 31, 2023. Yummie Dingding, PPA pool/File</div>MANILA — The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) assured the public that enough safeguards are in place in the spending and execution of infrastructure projects under its Barangay Development Program.Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said that there are no “ghost” or substandard projects under the program as it undergoes “several level of monitoring” starting from the fund release down to implementation.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/1/ntf-elcac-seeks-2-year-extension-of-amnesty-program-2121">READ: NTF-ELCAC seeks 2-year extension of amnesty program</a></div>“Once na ma-release ng Bureau of Treasury iyong pondo na iyan, they are directed or mandated na mag-enroll doon sa Subaybayan Patrol. Ito iyong online monitoring ng DILG on the implementation of the BDP program – that’s for the digital,” he said in a press briefing Wednesday, October 1.He further noted the funding goes straight to implementing local government units where the beneficiary barangays are located.“Wala po talaga tayong ghost project doon,” the official stated.Torres also reported that they have “zero” irregular audit findings from the Commission on Audit for the implementation of 780 barangays.The anti-insurgency task force proposed P10 million per barangay for a third consecutive year under the National Expenditure Program.The program has 808 barangays for next year.“It may sound big, P8.08 billion for the 808 barangays all over the country, but this is a government’s project, our commitment to these communities which were neglected for a very long time kaya sila ay nai-exploit ‘no, madaling ma-agitate,” he said.Torres said they are “more hopeful” that the P10 million budget would be approved for next year since the program only got P2.5 million allocation since 2024.“But there is a standing instruction once again from the chair of the NTF-ELCAC, the President himself, to find ways na makapag-source out pa ng fund para madagdagan ng P5 million ulit to make it P7.5 per year,” he said.The funds can only be allocated to five projects: farm-to-market roads, school buildings, health stations, water system and electrification.As of this year, Torres said the task force has already served 4,830 barangays under the program.<div> </div><div>‘THE CHURCH WATCHES’</div>The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches will also sit as one of the two private sector representatives in the anti-insurgency task force’s executive committee.Bishop Noel Pantoja vowed that they will be vigilant in the group’s use of public funds and policies.“Makakasigurado po kayo sa presence ng church ngayon, babantayan natin iyong mga ghost projects at makakasigurado tayo na ang church talaga ay galit sa corruption at tinindigan natin ito hanggang ngayon,” he said.He also underscored the church’s potential to contribute in the peace process.“May magagawa ang simbahan para hikayatin ang mga tao na tumulong at magkaroon nang tunay na kapayapaan and lasting peace dito sa ating bansa,” Pantoja stated.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) assured the public that enough safeguards are in place in the spending and execution of infrastructure projects under its Barangay Development Program.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) assured the public that enough safeguards are in place in the spending and execution of infrastructure projects under its Barangay Development Program.

‘Walang ghost project’: NTF-ELCAC assures public no corruption in barangay dev’t projects

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‘Walang ghost project’: NTF-ELCAC assures public no corruption in barangay dev’t projects

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 01, 2025 11:55 PM PHT

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barangay development program

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