The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged flood control projects in Bulacan totaling over P330 million for alleged irregularities, including “ghost” structures, unauthorized relocations, and unsupported claims of completion.
In a statement released on Thursday, COA said it recently filed four fraud audit reports (FARs) with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure involving projects under the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, with a total cost of P330,512,956.97.
The projects flagged include riverbank protection structures in Malolos City and Guiguinto, as well as a flood mitigation structure along Bulusan, Calumpit, all contracted to Wawao Builders.
COA said all four projects involved “ghost” structures that were never built at approved sites, unauthorized relocations without proper documentation, and major gaps in key supporting documents.
The audit implicated several DPWH officials, including Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, Ernesto Galang, Jaypee Mendoza, Paul Jayson Duya, Jolo Mari Tayao, Lemuel Ephraim Roque, Sheena Bernadette Morales, Jaime Hernandez, Lorenzo Pagtalunan, Emelita Morales, Paycee Nicole Dimaano, and Isiah Lor Galang.
COA also held Wawao Builders’ Mark Allan Arevalo and John Michael Ramos accountable for the anomalies.
Citing its findings, the commission said the individuals involved may face charges for graft and corruption under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
They may also face allegations of malversation of public funds and falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code.
COA added that violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and applicable procurement and infrastructure regulations were also noted.
Officials stressed that the audit aims to safeguard public funds and ensure accountability in government infrastructure projects.