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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider COA to DPWH: Pay JAD Builders P2.7-M plus interest, attorney's fees

COA to DPWH: Pay JAD Builders P2.7-M plus interest, attorney's fees

Published Jul 23, 2025 02:26 pm
The Commission on Audit (COA) has instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office III to pay JAD Builders six percent interest and attorney’s fees on top of the P2.37 million as rentals for various heavy equipment used in the construction of Gugu Dike in Pampanga.
In a decision, the COA partially granted the petition of Thelma G. Domingo of JAD Builders based on the Feb. 6, 2012 ruling of the regional trial court (RTC) in Bulacan.
Initially, the COA granted the principal claim but denied JAD Builders' claim of interest, attorney's fees, and costs of suit since they were not awarded by the RTC.
JAD Builders contested the June 10, 2019 decision of the COA and filed a motion for reconsideration on July 19, 2019.
The COA said that JAD Builders’ motion was filed beyond the reglementary period.
However, it said that since the case involves a claim that had already been adjudicated by the RTC, the commission decided to relax its procedural rules and evaluated the motion for reconsideration based on its merits.
It noted that the RTC decision has already reached finality and may no longer be modified in any respect, even if the modification is meant to correct erroneous conclusions of facts and law.
However, it said that while it respects the final, immutable, and unalterable character of RTC decision, it decided to grant the pleaded six percent per annum “from the time of filing of the complaint before the RTC until fully paid."
The COA denied with finality JAD Builders’ claim for costs of suit.
The six-page decision was signed by Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba and Commissioner Mario G. Lipana. Commissioner Roland Cafe Pondoc issued a dissenting opinion.
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