COA, DPWH submit to Ombudsman evidence on P342.6-M 'anomalous' flood control projects

The Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) asked the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) to investigate the administrative and criminal liabilities of three contractors and government officials in the P342.66 million “ghost and substandard” flood control projects in Bulacan.

- CZARINA NICOLE ONG KI

COA Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon led the filing of five Fraud Audit Reports as evidence on five flood control projects implemented by the DPWH-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office with Wawao Builders, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Syms Construction Trading.

The reports stated that Wawao Builders was responsible for flood-mitigation structures in Barangay Frances, Calumpit, Bulacan with a total cost of P77,199,999.65.

State auditors discovered that it was listed as "100-percent complete" but the contractor only finished 77.90 meters-falling short of the 124 meters stated in the original proposal.

The COA said that Wawao Builders was likewise paid an additional P3,130,041.22 without any documentation that would explain why the costs went up, which, the commission said, was contrary to the provisions of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

"During the inspection, shoddy workmanship issues were easily seen. Numerous cracks along the dike crest were observed, with an approximate total crack length of 3.9 meters and with crack width varying from 2 to 3.2 centimeters. Also, uneven concrete surfaces along the structure were evident," the COA said.

It said that another botched project from Wawao Builders is the construction of flood mitigation structures for P74,041,090.22 at Barangay Sta. Lucia. While the project was deemed "90-percent complete," auditors said they could not confirm this as the dike was tilting, misaligned, and "riddled with cracks".