In a statement released on October 10, the AFP said the accusations are “completely false, irresponsible, and clearly intended to discredit the AFP and its leadership.”

According to the military, it does not implement nor receive funds for infrastructure projects, as all military facilities under the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) program are funded and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The AFP explained that what was referred to as “completion” in the circulating post only pertains to a specific phase of construction within a fiscal year—not the entire project.

“For instance, a 10-storey building may be funded and built in multiple phases across several years. Each phase is completed in accordance with the approved program of works and budget for that year,” the statement said.

“Hence, to claim that a ‘completed phase’ equates to a ‘ghost project’ is a gross misrepresentation of how government infrastructure budgeting works.”

AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. also clarified that no funds for TIKAS projects were released to the AFP since the DPWH manages the planning, bidding, and implementation.

“Kami po sa AFP, kami lang po ang nagsasabi kung ano ang kailangan namin,” Brawner said.

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) earlier recommended scrapping unfinished military infrastructure projects under the DPWH.

This followed Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s call to transfer the ₱3 billion TIKAS allocation to the DND for 2026 due to low completion rates.

Both Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and General Brawner supported the proposal, saying it would ensure transparency and quality in future military projects.