The Commission on Audit (COA) announced on Friday that it has submitted to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) four additional Fraud Audit Reports (FARs) that expose further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO).
The reports detail cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and the use of substandard materials, resulting in significant public funds being misappropriated.
These anomalous projects involve SYMS Construction Trading, a joint venture between L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc. and M3 Konstract Corporation, and Darcy & Anna Builders & Trading.
Those identified as liable from DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO include District Engineer Henry Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto Galang, along with various project engineers and company representatives from the involved contractors.
These implicated individuals may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Revised Penal Code for malversation and falsification of documents, and violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
The COA’s audit findings will support the ICI’s ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities.
This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 FARs already submitted to oversight bodies, with additional reports expected as the audit continues.
