Senate Leader Highlights COA’s Role in Flood Projects
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada emphasized that no ghost flood control project in the country can succeed without the direct involvement of the Commission on Audit (COA). This four-word keyphrase, ghost flood control projects, remains central to ongoing investigations and public concern.
In a recent interview, Estrada urged the Senate blue ribbon committee to summon COA representatives for the upcoming hearings on irregularities linked to flood control initiatives. His statement underscores the vital role COA plays in either enabling or preventing such projects.
Allegations of Fund Misallocation Surface
Earlier, Senator Panfilo Lacson disclosed in a privilege speech that funds allocated for flood control projects are often distributed based on “greed” among public officials and private entities. He revealed that only a small portion of the budget goes toward actual project execution, with significant shares diverted elsewhere.
Lacson further claimed that COA receives approximately 0.5 to 1 percent of the flood control funds, suggesting its complicity in the questionable fund distribution.
Estrada Admits Limited Knowledge but Stresses COA’s Involvement
While Estrada acknowledged he does not fully understand the details of how the fund-sharing operates, he firmly believes that ghost flood control projects cannot thrive without COA’s cooperation. “We don’t know, I don’t know. As for me, I believe that a ghost project will not prosper without the help of COA,” he said in Filipino.
He also predicted that the Senate blue ribbon committee’s investigation could extend over numerous hearings due to the complexity and scale of the anomalies involved. “Maybe this will even reach 10 hearings because of the scope of anomalies,” Estrada added.
Top Contractors Under Senate Scrutiny
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently disclosed the names of the top 15 contractors awarded the majority of government flood control contracts. Out of these, seven companies appeared at the Senate blue ribbon panel’s hearing, while the remaining eight are expected to be subpoenaed for subsequent sessions, sources said.
The ongoing probe aims to shed light on the extent of irregularities and ensure accountability in flood control project implementation.
Longstanding Issues Affect Communities
Residents in flood-prone areas, such as Barangay Frances in Calumpit, Bulacan, continue to suffer from persistent flooding. Community members reported wading through submerged main roads after days of heavy rainfall, highlighting the urgent need for effective flood control measures.
These persistent problems underscore the importance of transparent project management and thorough oversight by agencies like the COA to prevent ghost projects that fail to address public needs.
For more news and updates on ghost flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
