The government was unable to fully implement P134.982 billion worth of infrastructure projects in 2017 due to deficient plans, procurement delays and the failure of agencies to impose sanctions, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).
The COA noted that 27 agencies experienced delays in implementing or rolling out various infrastructure projects.
Among the reasons cited by the COA for the partial, or non-implementation of projects were deficient planning, supervision and monitoring, noncompliance with contract provisions and operational guidelines, non-imposition of sanctions.
The biggest backlog was with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which failed to implement various infrastructure projects costing P78.188 billion last year, the COA report noted.
Of the amount, the COA said P73.351 billion were programmed for flood-control projects, school buildings, farm-to-market roads, among others.
The COA report noted that the DWPH was unable to complete 2,344 projects within the time specified in the contract, while 135 projects were suspended and 15 are up for termination.
The remaining amount of P4.837 billion were allocated for the implementation of foreign-assisted infrastructure projects.
Other agencies that failed to fully implement infrastructure projects include the National Economic and Development Authority, University of the Philippines System, Department of Education and Department of Transportation.
The state auditors said these agencies must “accelerate project implementation through proper scheduling and planning in consonance with the annual procurement plan.”
“Strictly follow the time schedule for each procurement activity to ensure timely project implementation and efficient fund utilization. Closely coordinate with other government agencies like the DPWH,” the state auditors said in a report published recently.
The COA also urged concerned government agencies to “identify the lapses in the procurement process” and “institute mechanisms to address the issues identified to effectively carry out all the planned activities and projects for the year.”
“And adjust the implementation schedule of the infrastructure projects, anticipating the effects of failure of bidding and other related reasons of delay to expedite implementation of said projects,” the report read.
The COA also said 28 more government agencies were unable to implement P13.611 billion worth of other projects in 2017 due to various delays.
The Duterte administration had been banking on the roll out of big-ticket projects, particularly those that included in the “Build, Build, Build” program, to boost GDP and create more jobs.