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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider COA to NIA: File charges vs contractors on delayed projects

COA to NIA: File charges vs contractors on delayed projects

Published Feb 3, 2025 04:58 am

The Commission on Audit (COA) has recommended the filing of charges by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) against contractors for delays in the implementation of irrigation contracts and projects worth P2.04 billion.

The recommendation was made as COA disclosed that the delays have increased to 94 percent in 2023.

In its 2023 report that was made public last Feb. 1, the COA said the number of delayed projects increased by 78, with a total of 161 contracts and projects delayed in 2023 compared to just 83 in 2022.

"In view of the significant delays, ranging from 31 to 1,113 calendar days in the completion of 161 irrigation contracts/projects and the suspension of and/or granting of contract time extensions (CTEs) on 76 irrigation contracts/projects, the intended beneficiaries were not able to promptly benefit from these irrigation projects," the COA said in its report.

As of Dec. 31, 2023, the COA said its audit team disclosed that the 161 delayed projects have a total contract cost of P2.042 billion. These were slated to be completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The reasons for the delay included unworkable site brought about by bad weather condition, flooding, and water delivery; unsatisfactory performance of contractors; insufficient manpower and equipment of contractors; unresolved Right of Way (ROW); peace and order situation; existence of standing crops; variation of order or revision of plans; and poor project planning and supervision, among other things, the COA said.

It said that NIA's Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has 36 delayed contracts; Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS), 30; Isabella Irrigation Management Office (IMO), 25; and Lanao del Norte-Misamis Occidental-Misamis Oriental-Camiguin (LaMisCa) IMO with 23.

The COA has recommended that NIA officials should require the contractors to regularly submit progress billings and status of work accomplishments and address the causes of the delays/suspension and grant of time extensions.

If needed, the COA said NIA should enforce the forfeiture of performance securities and imposition of liquidated damages for delays where contractors are at fault.

NIA officials should also file appropriate charges against erring or defaulting contractors, it said.

On the other hand, the COA said the NIA should consider imposing administrative sanctions against NIA officials and personnel who have been remiss in their duties, specifically in planning and monitoring of the implementation of irrigation contracts or projects that resulted in delays, suspensions, terminations, and wastage of government funds.

Related Tags

Audit reports DELAYS National Irrigation Administration Commission on Audit National Irrigation Administration-Cordillera Annual audit report Commission on Audit (COA)
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