COA Launches Fraud Audit on Bulacan Flood Control Projects
The Commission on Audit (COA) has initiated a fraud audit targeting the flood control projects in Bulacan, part of a broader review of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) initiatives. This move aims to scrutinize billions of pesos allocated for flood mitigation efforts in the province.
Of the nationwide P548 billion flood control budget, Central Luzon received the largest share at P98 billion. Within this region, Bulacan was allocated P44 billion, the highest among its neighboring provinces. The COA identified these figures as critical in its directive for a thorough investigation.
Audit Prompted by Presidential Concerns
Following concerns raised by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. regarding project implementation in Bulacan, the COA emphasized the urgent need for a fraud audit. A memorandum dated August 12, 2025, signed by COA Chairperson Gamaliel Codoba, underscored this necessity.
“Given the critical issues raised by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. regarding the implementation of these projects, particularly in the Province of Bulacan, a fraud audit is an immediate and unequivocal necessity,” the memorandum stated.
Immediate Submission of Documents Ordered
The COA has directed DPWH district engineering offices in Central Luzon to promptly submit all relevant documentation to the fraud audit office. Officials must also ensure full cooperation and availability to support the audit teams at any time, sources reported.
Flood Control Projects Across the Philippines
On August 11, the President disclosed the top 10 provinces with the most flood control projects, as reported by the DPWH. Bulacan led with 668 projects, followed by Cebu (414), Isabela (341), Pangasinan (313), Pampanga (292), Albay (273), Leyte (262), Tarlac (258), Camarines Sur (252), and Ilocos Norte (224).
Most Flood-Prone Areas Identified
According to the National Adaptation Plan of the Philippines 2023-2025, the most flood-vulnerable provinces include Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro, and Ilocos Norte. These areas face heightened risks amid ongoing climate challenges, local leaders noted.
Inspection Reveals Incomplete Rehabilitation Work
A COA memorandum was made public shortly after President Marcos, accompanied by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, inspected a river protection structure rehabilitation in Calumpit, Bulacan, on August 15.
During the site visit, the President confronted representatives from St. Timothy Construction Corp. over alleged incomplete work on the river-protection structure in Barangay Bulusan. Contrary to official records indicating project completion in February 2023, the inspection revealed unfinished construction.
The P96.4 million project had been marked as “completed” on the sumbongsapangulo.ph platform, but the President’s findings suggested otherwise. Community members expressed frustration over the discrepancy between records and actual conditions.
Looking Ahead
The fraud audit aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of flood control projects in Bulacan. Authorities and stakeholders are expected to cooperate fully with the investigation to safeguard public funds and improve flood mitigation efforts.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
