CoA implements reforms amid DPWH project anomalies

The Commission on Audit (CoA) is implementing reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability in response to anomalies in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.

CoA Chairman Gamaliel Cordoba confirmed that the agency is investigating its own ranks for possible negligence or complicity in the irregularities.

New safeguards such as mandatory geotagging for all infrastructure projects nationwide are being rolled out.

A comprehensive audit is underway for DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 2022 to May 2025, with a specific focus on the workload of resident auditors in the DPWH-Bulacan First District Engineering Office.

Findings from these audits are being submitted to CoA's Internal Affairs Office for possible sanctions, and those elevated to the Office of the Ombudsman have resulted in the suspension of DPWH engineers implicated in ghost or non-existent projects.

CoA is requesting increased funding and personnel to investigate these alleged corruption cases, highlighting a critical shortage of manpower due to budget cuts that resulted in the elimination of 963 positions.

To enhance transparency and prevent corruption, CoA will require auditors to submit detailed declarations of economic interests beyond the usual statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth.