The Commission on Audit has admonished the National Irrigation Administration for awarding 269 infrastructure contracts worth P2.492 billion even if they were not compliant with provisions of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The CoA said in its report for 2022 that NIA had been called out before over similar lapses in complying with Republic Act 9184.

"This is a reiteration with updates of the prior year's observation as management did not address the issues raised on the procurement of infrastructure projects," it said.

The NIA was called out for non-compliance with eligibility requirements, non-submission of pertinent documents, and failure to follow procedures in procuring infrastructure projects through public bidding.

Based on the auditing findings, the Isabela Irrigation Management Office accounted for the biggest chunk of the questioned sum, at P399,062,938.

The Isabela IMO lacked eligibility documents such as a notice to proceed, abstract of bids, and the approved program of work, among others.

State auditors said non-compliance with the procurement law, "particularly on the eligibility and other documentary requirements and the procedures in the procurement of infrastructure projects through public bidding," posed a risk that the P2.492 billion worth of 269 contracts were awarded to possibly ineligible contractors.

The NIA, in response, vowed to comply with succeeding public biddings for the procurement of infrastructure projects. While it acknowledged NIA's promise, the CoA warned that it would keep a close eye on the subsequent audit.