COA requires mandatory GPS-based geotagging for gov't infra projects

The Commission on Audit (COA) now requires all government infrastructure projects to have GPS-based geotagging to eliminate ghost projects and ensure legitimacy of all billings made to the government.

- By CZARINA NICOLE ONG KI

Google says that GPS tagging is the process of adding geographical location data, such as coordinates, to digital information like photos, videos, and social media posts.

The location data, also called a geotag, is often stored as metadata and can be used to pinpoint where the content was created on a map. It can also refer to the use of physical electronic tags for real-time tracking of objects or individuals.

The COA stressed that no infrastructure project can be reported as completed and no payment may be released unless the required geotagged photos are verified by its auditing teams.

It issued "Mandatory Geotagging for All Infrastructure Projects of National Government Agencies, Local Government Agencies, Local Government Units, and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations" that mandates verifiable and local-based photographic evidence at every stage of project completion.

It said the mandatory geotagging will also apply within the warranty period after completion.

With the new policy, the COA said that both government agencies and contractors must submit geotagged photos that include the exact GPS coordinates of the project, together with the date and time the photo was taken.