R2KRN Coalition questions COA chief over potential conflict of interest in building project

A coalition advocating for freedom of information, the Right to Know, Right Now (R2KRN) Coalition, has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana and the construction of the new COA building.

The R2KRN Coalition highlighted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) awarded a contract worth over P9.59 million for the new COA building to a joint venture between R.U. Aquino Construction & Development Corp. and Le Bron Construction on November 26, 2021.

Evidence presented by the R2KRN Coalition suggests that the authorized managing officer of Le Bron Construction, Moises Nicdao Jr., is also an incorporator of Iron Ore, Gold, and Vanadium Resources (Phils.) Inc.

Furthermore, Marilou Lauro Lipana, the wife of Commissioner Mario Lipana, has been identified as the president of Iron Ore, Gold, and Vanadium Resources (Phils.) Inc.

The R2KRN Coalition is calling for an explanation from the COA to clarify that the contract was awarded to Le Bron Construction without any undue influence from Commissioner Lipana.

Malou Mangahas, co-covenor of R2KRN, expressed worries that the relationship between Le Bron and Olympus Mining and Builders might also be connected to the project.