COA orders performance audit on flood control projects

The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered a performance audit on the government’s flood control programs amid the controversy on alleged undelivered or 'ghost' and substandard projects.

COA chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba issued the order in a memorandum dated August 25.

“Pursuant to COA Resolution No. 2024-018 dated December 16, 2024, which adopted the 2024-2026 Performance Audit Portfolio (PAP) of that Office that includes the above-mentioned subject, you are directed to prioritize and immediately conduct a performance audit on flood control projects, and submit a report thereon upon completion,” read the memo addressed to Director 4 Michael Racelis of the Performance Audit Office, Special Services, Sector.

“[This is] for your immediate and strict compliance,” it added.

Before the performance audit, Cordoba ordered technical inspections of all ongoing and completed flood control projects in Bulacan from January 1, 2022, to July 31, 2025, prioritizing the highest valued projects. 

Cordoba’s memo on technical inspection also provided that state auditors must confirm the physical existence of the projects and assess their actual progress against the approved work program and schedule.

Further, the memo said these efforts should be documented with videos and geo-tagged photos, and that the team shall also submit the technical inspection reports to the overall team supervisor of the Fraud Audit Teams created under COA Office Order No. 2025-807 immediately after inspection. 

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., launched a crackdown on ghost and substandard flood control projects last month.

Since then, the Chief Executive has already identified the top 15 contractors that got the lion's share of government contracts involving flood control projects, even if the locations of these flood control initiatives were not necessarily flood-prone. 

The flood control mess has also prompted Manuel Bonoan to resign as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Bonoan has since been replaced by Vince Dizon, who previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Dizon has already ordered all DPWH officials to submit courtesy resignations amid the ongoing congressional and executive probe into the flood control projects. –NB, GMA Integrated News