COA: Most funds for waterways rehab used in 2018, but projects unfinished

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Audit (COA) found that the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) reported low accomplishment rates for projects involving Metro Manila waterways, despite using 96% of funding in 2018.

In a report released on Friday, May 31, state auditors said the commission spent P107.568 million out of the P111.078 million allotted for the clearing of 6 waterways. The projects, however, only posted an accomplishment rate of 1% to 27.65%.

The projects highlighted in the report include:

• Rehabilitation and development of San Juan River – P51.27 million used out of P52.585 million with 27.65% accomplishment rate
• Rehabilitation and development of Estero de Magdalena – P16.89 million used out of P17.49 million with 1% accomplishment rate
• Estero de Kabulusan project – P12.78 million used out of P12.9 million 
• Estero de Pandacan project 2 – P10.94 million used out of P11.237 million with 26.51% accomplishment rate
• Estero de la Reina project – P8.296 million used out of P8.514 million with 20.57% accomplishment rate
• Estero de Valencia Phase 3 project – P7.397 million used out of P8.349 million with 26.51% accomplishment rate

COA said the accomplishments were “notably low,” adding that the PRRC management failed to anticipate problems such as those that arise from local officials.

“The low accomplishment was brought about by prolonged resistance of the newly elected barangay chairman in the project for Estero de la Reina and right-of-way issues for 4 other esteros which should have been addressed first,” state auditors said.

COA added that no contracts should have been awarded if right-of-way issues were not yet resolved. This is based on Section 17.6 of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The PRRC management agreed to strictly observe the procurement law and fast-track the fulfillment of the projects. – Rappler.com