The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered an investigation into the flood control projects in Bulacan on allegations of fraud and other irregularities.
COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba gave the directive in a memorandum issued last August 12 to the supervising auditors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in COA Regional Office III.
Citing the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, Cordoba said “the DPWH implemented flood control projects nationwide with a total cost of P548 billion from July 1, 2022 to May 30, 2025.”
“Of these projects, Region 3 ranks No. 1 with P98 billion (18 percent), while the Province of Bulacan ranks No. 1 in said Region with P44 billion (45 percent),” he also said.
“Given the critical issues raised by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. regarding the implementation of these projects, particularly in the Province of Bulacan, a fraud audit is an immediate and unequivocal necessity,” he pointed out.
Thus, Cordova instructed COA Regional Office III to “immediately submit to the Fraud Audit Office all relevant documents in your custody necessary for the conduct of the audit” and “ensure your availability to assist the fraud audit teams at any time during the audit.”
Last August 11, the President announced the rollout of the Sumbong sa Pangulo website dedicated for the probe and assessment of flood-control projects in the country, which includes a citizens' report mechanism.
Malacanang had said that from August 11 to 13, they have received 1,148 reports and 823 feedback on the Sumbong sa Pangulo website.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28, the President announced a full-blown investigation on the reports of corruptions behind the flood-control projects that have failed during severe floodings in various places in the country.