COA Initiates Performance Audit on Flood Control Projects
The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered an immediate performance audit on flood control projects under the government’s multibillion-peso Flood Risk Management and Resiliency Program. This move comes amid growing public frustration over worsening flooding despite significant investments in infrastructure.
In a memorandum dated August 23, 2025, COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba instructed the agency’s Performance Audit Office (PAO) to prioritize and conduct a thorough performance audit on these flood control projects. This directive aligns with COA Resolution No. 2024-018, which included the Flood Risk Management and Resiliency Program in the 2024–2026 Performance Audit Portfolio.
Audit Mandate Stemming from Public and Presidential Concerns
The performance audit on flood control projects was prompted by concerns raised by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. He acknowledged that several flood control efforts failed to shield Metro Manila and nearby provinces from severe rains and typhoons. Community members and local leaders have voiced long-standing complaints about the devastating effects of recent floods despite the substantial public funds allocated.
Officials reported that the audit aims to investigate why these flood control projects have not sufficiently mitigated flooding impacts in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, despite the hefty government spending.
Scope of the Flood Control Projects Audit
The COA resolution backing this audit includes the Flood Risk Management and Resiliency Program, which targets flood-prone areas in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Pampanga, and Cavite. The program is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in partnership with the World Bank.
This initiative combines structural interventions such as dikes, drainage systems, and floodways with non-structural measures like early warning systems, environmental management, and community preparedness. The audit will assess whether these projects have effectively met their goal of preventing or mitigating flooding effects.
Performance Audit Procedure and Strategic Alignment
COA explained that this audit is part of its broader risk-based performance audit strategy. It is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan, AmBisyon Natin 2040, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programs selected for audit were chosen based on public interest, materiality, implementation risk, and alignment with national development objectives.
PAO has been tasked with conducting the audit and submitting a comprehensive report upon its completion. This step marks a crucial move toward ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending on flood control projects.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
