The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has warned project contractors and partners regarding a new extortion scheme involving individuals impersonating an “anti-corruption task force.”
PPA has received multiple complaints that these scammers are conducting fake inspections on government infrastructure projects, including those related to flood control and “ghost projects” currently being investigated by Congress. After introducing themselves as official government representatives, they allegedly demand money from contractors in exchange for not reporting their “investigative findings.”
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago has condemned the illegal activity and has taken immediate action by issuing a memorandum to all Port Management Offices (PMOs) nationwide. The memo instructs PMOs to inform all project contractors in their areas about the scam and to remind them that the PPA does not demand any fees for legitimate project inspections.
“We encourage all our partners and contractors to coordinate directly with the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Engineering to verify the identity and authority of any individual or group claiming to be an inspection team,” said General Manager Santiago. “Let us not exploit national issues for personal gain. Instead, we must work together to build critical infrastructure that directly benefits the Filipino people.”
The PPA is urging anyone who encounters this fraudulent activity to report it immediately. The agency advises all contractors and partners to first verify the identity of any so-called inspection or anti-corruption team before engaging with them.
Reports of attempted deception or extortion can be made by calling the PPA at (02) 8527-4844 or (02) 8527-4856, or by emailing ogm@ppa.com.ph.
“Every complaint matters. Let’s help the public in holding those who seek to exploit and deceive accountable,” Santiago added.
This is not the first scam reported by the PPA. The agency also recently reported fraudsters who used the PPA’s logo and General Manager Santiago’s picture to ask for money in exchange for alleged product deliveries.
