Senate Pushes for Flood Control Audit Documents
The Senate blue ribbon committee has firmly requested the Commission on Audit (COA) to submit all audit documents related to flood control projects in the Philippines, including detailed fraud audit reports. This move aims to shed light on alleged irregularities within the government’s multi-billion peso flood control initiatives.
During a recent hearing, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva emphasized the urgency of obtaining these documents. He moved to issue a subpoena duces tecum to COA for the immediate release of their fraud audit highlights. This motion came after Senator Ronald dela Rosa inquired about the specifics of COA’s audit findings.
Senate Majority Leader Calls for Immediate Submission
“May I respectfully move that we subpoena itong binabanggit ng ating guest from COA ang matatapos nilang fraud highlights, immediately i-furnish ng copy itong blue ribbon committee even awaiting the response of the respondents. Also, once they [respond], we’d also like to subpoena the copies of the responses of the respondents as soon as they are submitted to COA,” Villanueva stated during the session.
The motion received swift support from Senator dela Rosa and was approved by committee chairperson Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who presided over the hearing. This unanimous decision reflects the Senate’s determination to closely scrutinize flood control projects amid rising public concern.
COA Details Contents of Fraud Audit Highlights
Before the motion, COA Acting Assistant Director for Cluster 4-Defense and Security, Tracy Ann Sunico, explained that the audit highlights encompass critical evidence and identify the parties involved in the alleged flood control project irregularities.
“The audit highlights would contain the significant or yung key takeaways sa ating fraud audit where in the nature of the alleged fraud and the persons liable at saka ang gathered evidence ang lalamanin po ng ating highlight,” Sunico clarified.
She also emphasized the importance of due process, stating, “Die process is needed, it has to be received by liabler persons for them to comment and give their side.” This ensures fairness while investigations proceed.
COA Launches Performance Audit Amid Public Outcry
In response to growing public outrage over worsening flood conditions despite heavy infrastructure spending, COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba ordered an immediate performance audit of flood control projects. The directive, issued in a memorandum dated August 23, 2025, specifically targets the government’s Flood Risk Management and Resiliency Program.
Cordoba instructed COA’s Performance Audit Office to conduct this audit under COA Resolution No. 2024-018, aiming to evaluate project effectiveness and ensure accountability for public funds.
Community members and local leaders have expressed hope that these audits will lead to greater transparency and improved flood control measures nationwide.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
