More fraud reports on Bulacan flood control projects filed with ICI
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four additional Fraud Audit Reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which explains further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.
COA said the reports detail cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and the use of substandard materials, leading to significant public funds being misspent.
SYMS Construction Trading. Balagtas River Project (P46.35 million): Despite full payment, no real construction was found at the approved site. DPWH representatives directed COA to a different location where a structure made of unsuitable materials and exposed steel bars was observed. DPWH's own records showed 0.00% completion.
Maycapiz-Taliptip River Project (P92.59 million): This project was reported as 100% accomplished and fully paid, yet COA found no flood control structure during inspection, labeling it a "ghost project."
L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc. and M3 Konstract Corporation (Joint Venture). Barangay Piel, Baliuag Project (P96.50 million): Satellite imagery revealed an existing flood control structure at the approved site even before the contract began. DPWH pointed COA to an incorrect site, where an existing structure failed to meet project specifications.
Darcy & Anna Builder & Trading. Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy Project (P74.11 million): Despite a supposed completion date of October 3, 2024, satellite images and COA's inspection confirmed no structure was built at the approved site.
In all cases, COA said the DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO failed to provide crucial supporting documents to the agency, hindering validation of the projects.
The audit reports named several individuals from DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO as being liable, including District Engineer Henry Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto Galang, along with various project engineers and company representatives from the involved contractors.
Those implicated may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Revised Penal Code for malversation and falsification of documents, and violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
COA said its audit findings will support the ICI's ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities. In a directive last August 12, COA Chairperson Gamaliel initiated an audit of all DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022, to May 30, 2025. This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 Fraud Audit Reports already submitted to oversight bodies
The agency said additional reports are expected as the audit continues.
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