Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) — Public works and highways officials in Davao Region should refund over ₱11.6 million spent on traffic safety projects in Davao City that were found irregular, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).
In a decision dated January 2022 and released on its website recently, the COA affirmed a notice of disallowance first issued in March 2014.
“The ND (notice of disallowance) is properly supported by evidence, duly documented with photographs, based on the findings of the SAT (Special Audit Team) in their actual inspection of the project,” COA said.
State auditors flagged traffic safety projects undertaken by the Davao City District Engineering Office which were all awarded to a single contractor in 2009-2012.
They flagged questionable disbursements such as on guardrails, road signs and foundation blocks that were found substandard and deficient.
“The actual accomplishment did not conform to the approved plans, which were not affected by change or extra work order. The plans allegedly prepared by the contractors did not reflect to actual implementation as per inspection,” auditors noted.
Among those found liable are former district engineer Lorna Ricardo, assistant district engineer Dwight Fernandez, and contractor E. Gardiola Construction/ Elaine Gardiola.
They filed an appeal on the ND arguing that their right to due process was violated.
But COA disagreed, saying they were given the opportunity to explain the discrepancy between the ocular finding and documents submitted during exit conferences.
