COA flags P309M Bulacan flood control projects for irregularities

The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged P309 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan for irregularities such as mismatched sites, ghost projects, and substandard materials.

Four specific projects were detailed, including two by SYMS Construction Trading totaling over P138 million for the Balagtas and Maycapiz-Taliptip Rivers, which were fully paid despite questionable or non-existent construction.

Other flagged projects include a P96.5 million Riverbank Protection structure in Baliuag and a P74.1 million riverbank protection structure in Hagonoy.

COA noted that contractors were paid in full despite the absence of real accomplishments, with structures often built in incorrect locations and using unsuitable materials.

Several DPWH officials from the Bulacan First District Engineering Office, along with contractors from SYMS Construction Trading, L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc., M3 Konstract Corporation, and Darcy and Anna Builders & Trading, may be held liable for the questionable projects.