COA: DPWH infrastructure projects cost gov't P6.45 billion in losses

The Commission on Audit (COA) reported that the government incurred losses amounting to P6.45 billion in 2024 due to 747 defective infrastructure projects handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

These projects were found to be technically flawed, unusable, or left idle because the DPWH failed to ensure contractors adhered to contract terms, with COA noting a lack of proper supervision and monitoring.

DPWH Region 6 (Western Visayas) accounted for the largest portion of these problematic projects among the regions, with nine projects worth P3.5 billion flagged.

Specific deficiencies noted in Region 6 included longitudinal cracks and pavement defects.

In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), auditors flagged 31 projects worth about P54.7 million for work that did not meet contract standards, reporting longitudinal pavement cracks and instances of overpayment.