Manila: The Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four fraud audit reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, highlighting irregularities in PHP330 million worth of ghost flood control projects in Bulacan and recommending the prosecution of those involved.

According to Philippines News Agency, all four projects were executed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office in collaboration with Wawao Builders. The COA, in a statement released on Thursday, emphasized that their special audit team found strong indications of potential fraud through non-existent structures, project relocations, and unsupported claims of 100 percent completion.

The projects scrutinized include a PHP77.2 million contract for a riverbank protection structure at Barangay Calero, Malolos City; a similar undertaking in Barangay Malis, Guiguinto valued at PHP98 million; a PHP77 million flood mitigation structure along Bulusan in Calumpit; and another PHP77 million riverbank protection structure in Brgy. Namayan, Malolos.

Based on the audit findings, the COA noted that individuals involved could face charges for graft and corruption under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as for malversation of public funds and document falsification under the Revised Penal Code. The agency assured that further reports will be submitted to the ICI as the audit investigation on Bulacan flood control projects progresses.

The individuals recommended for prosecution include Engineers Henry Alcantara, Engineer Brice Ericson Hemandez, Ernesto Galang, Jaypee Mendoza, Engineer Paul Jayson Duya, Engineer Jolo Mari Tayao, Engineer Lemuel Ephraim SD Roque, Engineer Jaime Hernandez, Engineer Lorenzo Pagtalunan, Engineer Emelita Morales, Engineer John Michael Ramos, Engineer Paycee Nicole Dimaano, Engineer Isiah Lor Galang, and Engineer Sheena Bernadette Morales from the DPWH, as well as Mark Allan Arevalo from Wawa Builders.