MANILA, Philippines, February 14, 2026 — The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged ₱275 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan for alleged irregularities, citing unauthorized relocations, questionable accomplishments, and payments for pre-existing structures.

In a statement released Friday, COA confirmed that it filed four Fraud Audit Reports (FARs) before the Office of the Ombudsman. The reports cover projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and awarded to SYMS Construction Trading and Wawao Builders. 

Auditors said physical inspections, geotagged photographs, and satellite imagery revealed ghost projects, missing structures, and instances where payments were made for works that had already existed prior to contract execution.

Among the questionable undertakings were reinforced concrete flood control structures and riverbank protection projects in several Bulacan towns, including Hagonoy and Baliuag. COA noted recurring indicators of fraud, such as severe documentation deficiencies and unauthorized site relocations. 

“These findings underscore the need for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds intended for flood mitigation,” the audit body said.

The filing of the reports comes amid heightened scrutiny of infrastructure projects in flood-prone areas of Bulacan, where residents have long demanded effective solutions to recurring inundation. 

The Ombudsman is expected to conduct a full investigation into the matter, which could lead to administrative and criminal charges against those found liable.

This latest development adds to a series of audit reports previously filed by COA on anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan, amounting to hundreds of millions of pesos. 

The controversy has raised concerns about systemic issues in project implementation and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to safeguard taxpayer money.

The case is now under review, and the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation will determine whether officials and contractors involved will face sanctions.

Image from COA