Introduction
In a significant development, the Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four fraud audit reports concerning flood control projects in Bulacan to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). These reports, which date back to September 26, 2025, indicate serious allegations against both current and former personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as well as private contractors.
Details of the Audit Findings
The audit primarily targets projects linked to SYMS Construction Trading and Topnotch Catalyst Builders Incorporated, revealing alarming discrepancies including unexplained project site changes and failures to comply with contractual specifications.
Mismatched Project Sites
One of the key findings involved a P92.88-million flood control structure along the Angat River in Pulilan, where COA inspectors discovered a marked deviation from the approved construction site during a site inspection on September 16, 2025. The DPWH-Bulacan First District Engineering Office (DEO) pointed to a different location for the project, yet failed to provide a valid explanation for this change. The audit raised red flags regarding potentially fraudulent accomplishments, as a slope protection structure was reportedly in place at the originally approved site prior to the project’s commencement date.
Accountability of Officials
COA identified a range of officials as potentially criminally liable, including former district engineer Henry Alcantara and several of his colleagues. The findings are particularly troubling given the DPWH’s previous actions to permanently disqualify SYMS from government projects due to earlier allegations of “ghost projects.”
Further Irregularities with Topnotch Catalyst Builders
The other three projects involved Topnotch Catalyst Builders and revealed similar issues. For instance, a P69.48-million riverbank protection project was found to be associated with a site that already hosted another flood control initiative tied to a different contract. However, DPWH officials could not justify this transfer, nor could they present the necessary documentation to validate their claims.
Joint Ventures and Discrepancies in Project Execution
Adding to the complexity, the P99.995-million slope protection project was carried out under a joint venture between Topnotch Builders and One Frame Construction Incorporated. During inspection, it became clear that the COA team was directed to a site that did not match the approved location. The ongoing presence of an existing flood control structure prior to the project’s start further supported COA’s concerns regarding the legitimacy of the reported accomplishments.
Legal Repercussions Await
Those implicated in these reports face potential legal actions, including graft and corruption, malversation, and violations of both the Government Procurement Reform Act and COA regulations. With this being the third batch of fraud reports released by COA, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s onsite inspections in August, the pressure for accountability in these infrastructure projects is mounting.
Conclusion
The findings from the COA’s audits present a troubling picture of corruption and mismanagement in Bulacan’s flood control projects. With numerous officials and contractors now under scrutiny, this situation underscores the need for transparency and integrity within government infrastructure initiatives.
