COA: P17-B infra works have ‘visible defects’

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) found 300 infrastructure projects across the country worth P17.3 billion to be riddled with “visible defects” as it advised the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to adopt “corrective measures.”

In its 2025 audit report, the agency flagged 71 projects costing P4.33 billion in the first district of Leyte province that had cracks on parapet walls, lacked sealants at construction joints, and had minor corrosion of railings, improperly installed drainage covers and solar light poles.

Another 17 projects worth P3.62 billion in Eastern Visayas region had “cracks, damaged structural and surface components, corrosion of metal elements, and other safety-related defects,” it said.

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In Tacloban City, the COA observed that 58 projects had clogged and damaged inlets and manholes, damaged structural components, exposed steel bars posing potential safety hazards and rusting railings, among others.

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READ: ICI: DPWH personnel ‘destroying, tampering’ flood control documents

“The foregoing observations suggest weaknesses in project planning, coordination, supervision, monitoring, inspection, accomplishment validation, contract administration, warranty enforcement, and post-completion maintenance,” it said.

Defective billboards

The COA attributed the deficiencies mainly to “noncompliance” with approved plans, specifications, and contract provisions, as well as deficiencies in the execution of contract works, and incomplete project documentation.

It said the “visible defects, deterioration and unaddressed maintenance issues may affect the functionality, safety, durability and serviceability of project assets.”

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READ: DPWH: Collapsed Isabela bridge already ‘cracked’ in 2018

Aside from physical defects, the COA said its team of auditors also observed deficiencies in the installation of project signboards or billboards in 716 infrastructure projects.

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The projects either had no project signboard or billboard or had one that contained incomplete information or the contents did not follow the prescribed standards and specifications.

Most of these projects with deficient signboards were observed in 141 projects in Northern Mindanao and 108 followed in Surigao del Norte.

The DPWH explained the deficiencies in the signboards were caused by “adverse weather conditions, natural wear and tear, unauthorized removal, theft, and damage by typhoons.”

Flood control scandal

In its recommendations, the COA urged DPWH offices to assess the deficiencies and implement necessary corrective measures, while also strengthening its implementation and maintenance of infrastructure projects.

It also called on the DPWH to ensure the continuous installation, visibility and maintenance of project billboards.

When sought for comment, the DPWH said the findings have been forwarded to the offices concerned for prompt action.

Some DPWH district engineers have been in the spotlight over allegations they colluded with senators, district representatives and private contractors to skim off multibillion-peso infrastructure projects that turned out to be unfinished or nonexistent over the last few years.

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As of mid-October, the Office of the Ombudsman had filed 39 cases in connection with the flood control scandal. A total of 52 individuals, including former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, are facing charges over the mess. /cb