DPWH to verify COA report on low utilization of foreign loans

MANILA, Philippines – Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson will verify with the Commission on Audit (COA) its report that the department has been penalized the amount of P23.7 million for low utilization of foreign loans in 2014 and failing to complete infrastructure projects worth billions.

In a text message yesterday, Singson said he would have to wait for government offices to open after the holidays to verify the COA report. 

“I don’t have the data now, being a weekend, so I will have to get the details of the COA report and reason for the delay, if any,” he added. 

The COA also reported that the DPWH likewise did not spend P43.9 billion intended for infrastructure projects in 2014.

The DPWH also allegedly failed to complete 749 infrastructure projects worth P10.3 billion within the prescribed contract period and did not implement 253 projects valued at P959.2 million.

COA said in its report the failures of DPWH were attributed to deficient planning and supervision.

As of Dec. 31, 2014, there were still foreign assisted projects that were either not yet started or had delays in the implementation and failed to meet the contract time.

There were also technical deficiencies and excessive contract cost amounting to P114.6 million in the implementation of projects by five DPWH regional offices and 34 district engineering offices.