FILE

The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged more than ₱325 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan for alleged fraud and irregularities. COA filed four Fraud Audit Reports (FARs) with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) after auditors discovered serious issues in projects handled by the DPWH – Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.

The projects were awarded to Wawao Builders and Darcy and Anna Builders & Trading. COA said its investigation revealed a pattern of ghost projects, unauthorized relocations, and questionable project accomplishments, raising concerns that public funds meant to protect communities from flooding may have been misused.

What COA Found

COA auditors used physical inspections, drone surveillance, geotagged photos, and satellite imagery, and found multiple red flags:
• Ghost Projects: Structures declared complete were nowhere to be found at the approved sites.
• Unauthorized Relocations: DPWH officials allegedly directed auditors to different locations than those specified in approved plans, without proper approval or revised documentation.
• Payments for Existing Structures: Some sites already had riverbank protection structures before the contracts began, suggesting funds were used to pay for work that wasn’t newly built.
• Weak Documentation: Key documents like as-built plans, cost breakdowns, geotechnical reports, and complete statements of work were missing.

Part of a Larger Investigation

The audit is part of a broader investigation ordered by COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba in August 2025. It covers DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022 to May 30, 2025, amid rising public concern over corruption and “ghost projects.”

The Four Projects Under Question

1. Wawao Builders – Guiguinto, Bulacan
• Project: Riverbank protection structure in Barangay Santa Cruz
• Contract Cost: ₱96,499,302.69
• Findings: The structure was not built at the approved site and appears to have been relocated without authorization. Discrepancies between approved and as-built plans were noted.
• Individuals Liable: DPWH engineers and Wawao Builders personnel.

2. Wawao Builders – Iba, Hagonoy, Bulacan
• Project: Riverbank protection structure in Barangay Iba-Ibayo
• Contract Cost: ₱77,197,558.67
• Findings: No structure was found at the approved site. The structure shown by DPWH was 694 meters away, with no official authorization for relocation.
• Individuals Liable: DPWH officials and Wawao Builders personnel.

3. Wawao Builders – Calumpit, Bulacan
• Project: Riverbank protection structure in Barangay San Jose
• Contract Cost: ₱77,199,226.37
• Findings: Inconsistencies in location and measurements were found, including mismatched contract IDs. The structure was outside the approved site, and completion claims were questionable.
• Individuals Liable: DPWH engineers and Wawao Builders personnel.

4. Darcy and Anna Builders & Trading – Malolos City, Bulacan
• Project: Riverbank protection structure in Barangay Babatnin
• Contract Cost: ₱74,120,639.56
• Findings: No structure was built at the approved site. Satellite imagery showed the structure existed nearly a year before the contract began, and submitted progress photos had coordinates inconsistent with the project location.
• Individuals Liable: DPWH officials and Darcy and Anna Builders & Trading personnel.

What Happens Next?

COA said those involved may face charges for graft, malversation, falsification of documents, and other violations. The agency is continuing its investigation and plans to file more reports with the ICI.

COA also emphasized that its actions support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for transparency in government spending. More findings are expected as the audit continues.