MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian criticized the Commission on Audit (COA) for failing to detect fraud in anomalous flood control projects, which were found to be either non-existent or substandard.

Gatchalian highlighted red flags that the COA should have noticed, including a flood control project reported as 89% complete just 15 days after the notice to proceed and fully completed in only 34 days. Another project was reported 46% complete in two days and 89% complete after 86 days. He also noted that similar photos were being reused as evidence of progress at different stages of the projects.

He stressed that a simple tabletop review of the project documents should have been sufficient for COA to detect the irregularities.

The Senate Finance Committee chair also urged COA to investigate the possible involvement of its resident auditor assigned to the Department of Public Works and Highways in the ghost flood control projects.

“Hindi ako naniniwala na makakalampas ito sa COA kung hindi siya kasali sa modus,” Gatchalian said, referring to the resident auditor. “Ang gusto natin, maibalik ang tiwala sa COA,” he added.