Opposition calls for COA audit of DPWH flood control projects

Opposition lawmakers are calling on the Commission on Audit (COA) to probe and audit flood control projects in response to recent flooding in Metro Manila despite billions allocated for flood mitigation.

House Deputy Minority Leader Representative Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers party-list and House Assistant Minority Leader Renee Co of Kabataan party-list argue that COA, with its technical expertise and constitutional mandate, is better suited for the task than the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Tinio emphasizes COA's track record in uncovering government anomalies, such as the PDAF scam and confidential funds issues.

Co highlights DPWH’s inefficiency based on the 2023 Annual Audit Report, which shows that DPWH only completed 450 out of 905 flood mitigation structures and drainage systems due to inadequate planning and monitoring.

The lawmakers argue that allowing DPWH to audit itself would be a whitewash and call for an independent COA audit of all DPWH flood control projects from 2016 to the present.

They urge Congress to pass a resolution directing COA to conduct this comprehensive audit to provide answers to the public about the inefficiencies in flood control project implementation.