Malita, Davao Occidental — The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) has uncovered serious discrepancies and possible irregularities

PACC Uncovers Major Discrepancies in DPWH-Reported “100% Completed” Seawall Project

Barangay Lacaron, Malita, Davao Occidental

Malita, Davao Occidental — The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) has uncovered serious discrepancies and possible irregularities during its recent ocular inspection of a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure project in Barangay Lacaron, Malita, Davao Occidental.

Despite being officially reported as 100% completed, on-site findings show otherwise.

Project Background

Project ID: 23LE0057
Project Title: Construction of Seawall, Brgy. Lacaron, Malita, Davao Occidental
Approved Contract Cost: ₱96,490,803.77
Funding Source: Regular Infrastructure – GAA 2023 (CSSP)
Implementing Office: DPWH Region XI – Davao Occidental District Engineering Office
Contractor: SCP Construction

Official DPWH Records:

Start Date: May 5, 2023
Reported Completion Date: December 11, 2023
Declared Status: 100% Completed (as recorded in the DPWH Project and Contract Management Application – PCMA)

Findings from PACC Ocular Inspection

Contrary to official records, the PACC inspection revealed that actual construction activities only began last month, nearly two years after the project was declared completed.

Inspection Team

The inspection was led by:

Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD – PACC Chairman
Dr. Allan Japor, PhD – Board of Trustees Member
Pastor Richie Cubos

With technical support from:

Engr. Dominador Miolata
Solomon Rufila

The inspection was conducted in the presence of local and national media, with security provided by the Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Key Issues Identified

The PACC confirmed that the seawall project was actively under construction, directly contradicting DPWH records that indicated full completion as of December 2023.

This presents a clear and material inconsistency between reported accomplishments and the actual physical status on the ground, raising serious concerns, including:

Possible false or fraudulent reporting of project accomplishments
Potential irregular release or misuse of public funds
Possible connivance between the contractor and responsible DPWH personnel
Lack of effective monitoring, validation, and accountability mechanisms

Additionally, PACC expressed concern that the rushed implementation now observed on-site may compromise the quality, safety, and structural integrity of the seawall—a critical coastal protection infrastructure for the community.

PACC’s Formal Calls to Action

In light of these findings, the Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar formally calls for:

1. Full Technical and Financial Audit

To be conducted by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), Commission on Audit (COA), and DPWH Central Office, focusing on:

Actual fund disbursements
Validity of progress billings
Accuracy of reported accomplishments
Compliance with approved plans and timelines

2. Independent Quality & Structural Assessment

To ensure ongoing works meet engineering standards and project specifications.

3. Comprehensive Investigation

Into all involved parties—including project engineers, inspectors, approving officers, financial personnel, and the contractor—to determine administrative, civil, and criminal liability, if warranted.

4. Inquiry into Delayed Implementation

Particularly:

Why construction did not commence after the Notice to Proceed (May 2023)
Why the project was declared 100% completed despite the absence of actual construction

Official Statement

“The Filipino people deserve honesty, transparency, and accountability in the use of public funds,”
said PACC Chairman Dr. Louie F. Ceniza, PhD.

“Reporting a project as 100% completed when no actual construction existed at the time is a serious matter that undermines public trust and may constitute grave violations of law. We will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion.”

PACC Commitment

The PACC reaffirmed its commitment to:

Work closely with oversight agencies and law enforcement authorities
Ensure all anomalies are thoroughly investigated
Hold responsible parties fully accountable under the law

The organization emphasized that it will continue conducting independent inspections nationwide to help prevent waste, abuse, and corruption in government-funded infrastructure projects.