COA, DPWH file P390M ghost project fraud raps vs contractors

The Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have filed additional fraud reports at the Office of the Ombudsman concerning four "ghost" flood control projects in Bulacan.

These projects, valued at almost P390 million, were undertaken by the DPWH's 1st District Engineering Office in Bulacan.

Three of the flagged projects were awarded to a joint venture between TopNotch Catalyst Builders Inc. and One Frame Construction Inc., while one was awarded to Wawao Builders.

The audit identified specific "ghost" projects including a control structure on Angat River worth P92.6 million and three slope protection and waterways projects by TopNotch and One Frame valued at approximately P99 million each.

Former officers of the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office may face charges for graft and corruption, malversation, and falsification of documents.

This marks the second consecutive week that fraud reports have been submitted regarding these "ghost" projects, with previous reports also linking Wawao Builders.

COA Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba indicated that cases of graft, malversation, and falsification may be filed in relation to these reports.

Moving forward, COA and DPWH will direct future reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure instead of the Office of the Ombudsman.