What I meant was the scection left ABOVE grade as this is what the question related to. Anything that can allow water Not to evaporate and dry off properly can cause damage to the concrete. Look at old pourous brick used on chimneys, how it explodes.
Personally though I would be more concerned with the Termite access problem. Anywhere they can get up to wood without being seen is a problem.
And yes I know they don't like PT lumber but it generally leads into the home.
So bottom line. It should be removed. ABOVE grade