The Commission on Audit (COA) has filed four Fraud Audit Reports (FARs) before the Office of the Ombudsman on flood control projects worth more than P275 million in Bulacan, citing alleged ghost projects, unauthorized site transfers, payments for already existing structures and serious documentary deficiencies.
Projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan 1scheduled tribe Awarded to District Engineering Office and SYMS Construction Trading and Vavao Builders.
The COA said the filing of the cases underlines its commitment to transparency and accountability to ensure that public funds for flood mitigation are used appropriately.
Based on physical inspections, geotagged photographs, and historical satellite imagery, state auditors reported recurring irregularities:
Ghost Projects: No flood control or river bank protection structures were found at the approved project sites, despite reports that the projects were completed or substantially completed.
Unauthorized transfer of sites: In several instances, DPWH representatives allegedly took inspectors to locations different from those specified in the approved plans and contracts, without revised plans or written authorization.
Payment for already existing structures: Satellite imagery revealed that some riverbank protection structures were already in place before the contract's effectiveness, raising the possibility that newly constructed works had not been paid for.
Documentation Shortcomings: Essential documents, including pre-made plans, detailed cost statements, details of work completed and approved master plans, were either incomplete or missing, reducing the credibility of reported achievements and payments.
audit coverage
The fraud audit was conducted on August 12, 2025 by COA Chairperson Gamliel A. Arising from a directive issued by Cordoba, which ordered an immediate review of DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022 to May 30, 2025, following public concerns over alleged ghost projects and corruption.
controversial projects
Hagonoy, Bulacan (SYMS Construction Trading)
The P67.55 million project included the construction of a reinforced concrete flood control structure in Barangay Santa Monica (Purok 6 to Purok 7). The CoA pointed out that despite the project being declared 100% complete by June 11, 2024, and payment being made in full by June 19, 2024, no such structure was found at the designated site. Auditors also noted signs of unauthorized site alterations and missing required documents.
Pandi, Bulacan (SYMS Construction Trading)
A P39.60 million riverbank protection project in Barangay Malibong Bata was allegedly constructed at a location different from that specified in the approved engineering plans, without documentary authorization for relocation. Structures found at both accepted and identified sites could not be conclusively linked to the contract. Many important documents were also missing.
Baliuag, Bulacan (Wavao Builders)
The P72.37 million Phase IV River Bank Protection Project in Barangay San Roque was reportedly constructed on a site different from that shown in the approved bid plans. The structure was marked with signs consistent with another project. The geotagged progress photos used to support the payment were taken before the notice to proceed was issued and point to a different barangay. The COA also cited overlapping project locations with another flood control contract and incomplete documentation.
Plaridel, Bulacan (Vavao Builders)
Based on satellite imagery and inspection, the P96.50 million flood control structure along the Angat River in the Lumang Bayan section was found to have existing structures on site at least 90 days before contract effectiveness. The structures had different contract ID marks and differed in design from the approved plans. Despite this, the project was reported to be 100% completed within 65 days from contract effectivity. Auditors again noted missing supporting documents.
potential violation
The COA said those involved could face charges of violation of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as charges of falsification and falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code. Possible violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 were also cited.
The audit body said President Ferdinand R. In line with Marcos Jr.'s call, additional reports may be filed with the Ombudsman as the investigation continues.
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