Philippines Ombudsman flags 'Ghost Internet' projects

The Philippines Office of the Ombudsman reported a 'ghost internet' scheme where contractors supply working hardware but install outdated or counterfeit software while charging full price. The probe will focus on DICT and contracts it approved.

• Scheme uncovered through system failures or detailed checks
• Software not verified after hardware acceptance, overpayment goes unnoticed
• Investigation to cover DICT: who approved and paid contracts
• Agency began fact-finding and promises to publish updates