COA flags project completion delays

Two road infrastructure projects in Consolacion town worth nearly P9.92 million funded under the municipality's 20% Development Fund (DF) were completed far beyond their target dates, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).

- 

In its audit report for the period ending December 31, 2024, COA said the delays violated provisions of Republic Act No. 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act, and a joint memorandum circular issued by the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The delayed projects involved road opening works in Barangays Garing-Polog and Pulpogan-Cansaga, both aimed at improving local road conditions and accessibility.

The road opening at Garing-Polog, with a contract cost of P4.92 million, was originally targeted for completion on July 1, 2021. However, the project was only completed on July 5, 2024, or after a delay of 1,100 days, COA noted.

The second project at Pulpogan-Cansaga, costing P4.99 million, was supposed to be completed by December 9, 2023. It was accomplished only on July 12, 2024, resulting in a delay of 216 days.

COA emphasized that Section 7 of RA 9184 requires all procurement activities to be judiciously and meticulously planned and included in the Annual Procurement Plan only if they are crucial and ready for implementation.