MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers have grilled officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Commission on Audit (COA) on allegations that road users' tax funded around P5 billion worth of ghost projects in 2009.
In a budget hearing on Wednesday, Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Roilo Golez asked DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson about the ghost projects.
“COA revealed to us they have P5 billion road board projects they cannot fully account for. They don’t have a listing of these road users' projects. May we know if the secretary is aware of this and what’s the status now?” Golez said.
Singson did not immediately answer the question.
“I’m not aware of particulars, but if you may allow me, I can provide breakdown year-on-year basis what’s been collected,” he said. “There are 4 funds -- fund 151 which is 80%, goes to DPWH road maintenance; fund 152 for local roads maintenance; fund 153 has 7.5% for road safety; and 7.5% for pollution control.”
Earlier in the day, Golez fielded the same question to COA officials in their own budget hearing.
Aside from the alleged ghost projects, COA officials told lawmakers that intelligence funds of government officials have not been audited in recent years.
COA officials said state agencies and officials merely gave them certifications that the intelligence funds were properly used.
