The Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four additional fraud audit reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), exposing further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan 1.scheduled tribe District Engineering Office.
These reports detailed cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and use of substandard materials, which led to misuse of significant public funds.
SYMS Construction Trading
Balagtas River Project (P46.35 million): Despite full payment, no actual construction was found at the approved site. DPWH representatives directed the COA to a different location where a structure made of unsuitable materials and exposed steel rods was observed. DPWH's own records showed 0.00% completeness.
Mecapiz-Taliptip River Project (P92.59 million): This project was reported to be 100% completed and fully paid for, yet COA found no flood control structures during inspection, dubbing it a “ghost project”.
LR Tiki Builders, Inc. and M3 Construct Corp. (Joint Venture)
Barangay Pial, Baliuag Project (P96.50 million): Satellite imagery revealed an existing flood control structure at the approved site even before the contract began. DPWH pointed the COA to an incorrect site, where the existing structure failed to meet project specifications.
Darcy & Anna Builders & Trading
Barangay Carrillo, Hagonoy Project (P74.11 million): Despite the estimated completion date of October 3, 2024, satellite images and inspection of the COA confirmed that no structures were built on the approved site.
In all cases, DPWH-Bulacan 1scheduled tribe DEO failed to provide important supporting documents to the COA, thereby hampering the verification of projects.
individuals held accountable
Several persons from DPWH-Bulacan 1scheduled tribe The DEO has been identified as accountable, including District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Bryce Erickson D. Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto C. Galang, as well as various project engineers and company representatives of the contractors involved.
Those involved may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Revised Penal Code for falsification and forgery of documents, and violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
These audit findings will support ICI's ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities. COA Chairperson Cordoba's directive on August 12, 2025 initiated the immediate audit of all DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022 to May 30, 2025. This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 fraud audit reports already submitted to oversight bodies, reinforcing COA's commitment to transparency and safeguarding public funds in line with President Ferdinand Marcos. Junior calls for accountability. Additional reports are expected as the audit continues.
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