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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider COA hits MMDA for delayed, unimplemented flood control projects worth P1.27B

COA hits MMDA for delayed, unimplemented flood control projects worth P1.27B

Published Jul 1, 2021 09:52 pm

Over P1.279 billion worth of flood control projects were either unimplemented or not completed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) last year, thus,, has "hindered the agency’s bid to mitigate flooding within the metropolis", the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed Thursday, July 1.

COA made this observation in the 2020 Annual Audit Report for MMDA that was released only on Thursday In the audit report sent to MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, who took over the reins of the agency only this year, COA also noted delays in procurement activities for the implementation of ten projects under the Traffic Engineering Center, Metrobase and the Health and Environmental Protection Office.

“Moreover nine projects with an aggregate contract cost of P1,203,336,567.11 were not completed within the specific contract time due to (a) inadequate planning and absence of coordination with the concerned LGUs (local government units) communities and other agencies; and (b) unsatisfactory performance of the contractor,” COA stated.

State auditors disclosed that 67 of the 94 programmed flood control projects last year were not completed by year end due to “delays in the conduct of procurement activities” and the release of Special Allotment Release Order by the Department of Budget and Management.

The total cost of the delayed flood control projects is P835,244,000.

On the other hand, 41 projects with a total allocation of P444,213,624.54 were also not completed or not implemented within the specific contract period.

Audit examiners said this is due to “inadequate planning and lack of coordination with concerned” LGUs, communities, the Department of Public Works and HIghways and other government agencies.

“Furthermore, the Output Indicator for 100 percent projects completed prior to the onset of rainy season has not been fully attained as 26 flood control projects costing P234,471,025.62 were completed during the rainy seasons of 3rd and 4th quarters of CY 2020,” COA lamented.

The audit agency stated: “All of these hindered the MMDA in attaining its important objective to mitigate flooding in the metropolis.”


MMDA partly blamed the health and safety restrictions imposed during the onslaught of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic for the delay in the conduct of procurement activities.

Nonetheless, COA still recommended that the MMDA bids and awards committee to directed to “faithfully comply with the procurement timelines/period” provided under Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Act.

“Delays in the procurement activities due to non-observance of the timelines indicated in the Annual Procurement Plan (APP) resulted in the delayed implementation of ten (10) projects under the Traffic Engineering Center (TEC), Metrobase and Health and Environmental Protection Office with a total cost of P681,769,627.52,” the state audit agency reported.

`Auditors noted that a number of contracts for some of the projects were awarded to contractors “only ont he 4th quarter of CY 2020.”

They underscored the need to immediately implement the projects, especially the upgrading of the existing Metro Manila Traffic Signal System, further stressing that addressing the worsening traffic congestion is a primary concern.

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