COA flags P359-M substandard flood control projects in Bulacan

The Commission on Audit has flagged around P359 million worth of substandard flood control projects in Bulacan in its latest fraud audit report submitted to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). 

In its October 10 fraud audit report, state auditors pinpointed the following projects for being subpar: 

• construction of Riverbank Protection Structure at Barangay San Roque, Baliuag, Bulacan worth P96.5 million by M3 Konstract Corporation
• construction of Flood Control Structure (Revetment), Purok 3 to Purok 4, Barangay Manatal, Pandi, Bulacan worth P92.5 million by SYMS Construction and Trading
• construction of Riverbank Protection Structure along Balagtas River, Barangay San Juan (Purok 4), Balagtas, Bulacan worth P74.1 million by SYMS Construction and Trading and
• construction of Riverbank Protection Structure along Balagtas River, Barangay Dalig, Balagtas, Bulacan worth P96.5 million by Amethyst Horizon Builders and Gen. Contractor and Development Corp.

COA found out that these projects were located in a site different from approved location, had defects or cracks, unfinished, undocumented, failed to meet the project specifications, and used unsuitable materials.

"Those found liable include former Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan first District Engineer Henry Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, Engineer Irene Ontingco, Engineer Jaypee Mendoza, Planning and Design Chief Ernesto Galang, Engineer Jefferson  Buendia, Engineer Prince Earl Deocampo, Engineer John Michael Ramos, Louis Raphael DG. Tiqui of M3 Konstract Corporation, Engineer Michelle Cruz, Sally Santos of SYMS Construction Trading, Engineer Jasmine Jean  Gonzaga, Rochelle Campos of Amethyst Horizon Builders and Gen. Contractor and Development Corp. as well as the company’s officers and members of its board.

"The individuals involved may face charges for graft and corruption under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, malversation, and falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code, as well as violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act," COA said.

"The initial list of liable persons is not final and may expand as the audit progresses, or new information becomes available. The audit's findings will be crucial for the ongoing investigation conducted by the ICI against those involved in irregularities in government infrastructure projects," it added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News