COA audit finds road dike project short of specs in Mindoro case

The inspection conducted by a Commission on Audit (COA) technical auditor on a P289-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro showed that the project did not meet contract specifications.

This was disclosed during the bail hearing of nine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Mimaropa officials charged with malversation alongside former lawmaker Zaldy Co. COA Region IV-B technical audit specialist Engr. Raymundo Manalo told the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division that his October 2025 inspection found that only three meters of steel sheet piles had been installed.

Manalo said the findings were consistent with an earlier inspection conducted by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor in September 2025, which likewise showed that steel sheet piles in another section of the project measured only three meters — far short of the 12 meters required under the project’s Detailed Engineering Design.

The results also matched the findings of a validation inspection conducted by DPWH-Mimaropa Officer in Charge Regional Director Editha Babaran, who testified before the court in January.

During cross-examination, the defense challenged Manalo’s credibility, citing that he is neither a structural engineer nor a project designer. Manalo replied that he is a civil engineer with sufficient technical expertise to conduct the inspection.

The defense also questioned the accuracy of his findings, noting that Manalo did not personally measure the steel sheet piles. He said the inspection was coordinated with two workers connected to the contractor, Sunwest Inc., although he admitted he could no longer recall their names.

Manalo said only 12 steel sheet piles were measured, as these were the portions exposed during excavation.

When asked by Associate Justice Sarah Fernandez whether the inspected portions showed any damage aside from excavation, Manalo said he observed none.

He also confirmed that he did not issue any recommendations to the contractor to address the findings.

Gov. Dolor is expected to take the witness stand on 4 February, followed by COA auditor Victoriano Acosta on 5 February.

Earlier, DPWH-Mimaropa officials Gerald Pacanan, Gene Altea, Ruben Delos Santos Jr., Dominic Serrano, Lerma Cayco, Felisardo Casuno, Dennis Abagon, Juliet Calvo, and Montrexis Tamayo pleaded not guilty to charges of malversation and graft before two separate divisions of the anti-graft court. Co and several other accused remain at large.