The Commission on Audit (CoA) has submitted four additional Fraud Audit Reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), exposing further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.
These 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 the CoA to a different location where a structure made of unsuitable materials and exposed steel bars was observed. The 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 the CoA found no flood control structure during inspection, labeling it a “ghost project.”
L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc. and M3 Konstract Corp. (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. The DPWH pointed the CoA to an incorrect site, where an existing structure failed to meet project specifications.
Darcy & Anna Builders & Trading
Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy Project (P74.11 million): Despite a supposed completion date of Oct. 3, 2024, satellite images and the CoA’s inspection confirmed no structure was built at the approved site.
In all cases, DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO failed to provide crucial supporting documents to the CoA, hindering validation of the projects.
Individuals Held Liable
Several individuals from the DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO have been identified as liable, including District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto C. 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 the CoA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
These audit findings will support the ICI’s ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities. COA Chairperson Cordoba’s directive on Aug. 12, 2025, initiated an immediate audit of all the 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, reinforcing the CoA’s commitment to transparency and protecting public funds, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call for accountability. Additional reports are expected as the audit continues.
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