Aussie firm: Independent audit shows 6 flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro exist

An Australia-based firm on Sunday said that its independent audit confirmed the existence of six flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro, but pointed out some area for reform.

“After going to the project sites, we confirm that the six projects are real, on-site, and in various stages of completion. They have been audited and found not guilty,” said Annabelle Tungol, master environment auditor and licensed chemical engineer of Artea Green Ventures.

An Australian government website describes Artea Green Ventures as "an environmental consultancy delivering compliance auditing, independent audit, ESG advisory, and sustainable infrastructure solutions across Australia and Philippines," that partners with "Movementsoft Inc, a trusted ICT provider currently serving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)" for its work in the Philippines.

Tungol and four other auditors inspected six dikes and esplanades alleged to be ghost projects in Naujan.

“I'm looking at the issues from an Australian safety management point of view. There are some issues to do with worker protective equipment, exclusion zones, and some design features where perhaps slightly different techniques would enjoy the expectation of this project would last much longer,” said Collin McPherson, auditor from Australian-based JCM Solutions.

The audit report stated that the project generally complied with design standards, where erosion protection and solar-powered light poles are present.

There is also active supervision and community consultations, the audit report showed.

However, the independent audit pointed out localized issues such as exposed rebars, concrete cracks, and poor waste disposal were observed, which is mostly tied to a single contractor.

The contractor was not named.

“While ghost project allegations were proven false, systemic reforms are still needed to ensure the long-term integrity of flood control infrastructure,” the report stated.

It also recommended to implement stricter contractor evaluation, mandatory safety training for site workers, and regular independent audits to strengthen transparency and public trust.

The DPWH earlier said officials and contractors allegedly involved in the anomalous food control projects in Oriental Mindoro will face criminal charges.

The construction companies include Sunwest Inc., Discaya-linked companies St. Timothy Construction Corporation and Elite General Contractor, and Development Corporation.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon had inspected the anomalous projects in the province, but failed to locate at least three projects listed in the 2024 national budget.

On Thursday, the DPWH filed a graft complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman against 20 officials of the agency and four contractors over anomalous flood control projects. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News