Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called on the Commission on Audit (COA) to launch a full-scale investigation into all auditors involved in the planning, approval, and execution of flood control infrastructure projects, amid mounting allegations of corruption and conflict of interest.

The senator’s appeal follows revelations made by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who named COA Commissioner Mario Lipana in connection with P1.4 billion worth of budget insertions for flood control projects. Alcantara claimed Lipana had requested a list of projects under his district to facilitate the allocations.

Further fueling controversy is the involvement of Lipana’s wife, Marilou, who serves as president and general manager of Olympus Mining and Builders Group Philippines Corporation. The company reportedly secured flood control contracts amounting to P326 million, according to testimony during a COA hearing at the House of Representatives on September 11.

“Saan ka naman nakakita na COA commissioner ka tapos maglalako ka ng listahan ng flood control projects? Tapos malalaman natin na ang kanyang misis pala ay isang contractor ng DPWH na nakatanggap ng daan-daang milyong halaga na kontrata?” Pangilinan said. “Hindi ba maling-mali naman iyon?”

He stressed the need for COA to conduct its own internal probe to restore public trust. “Kaya hinihikayat natin ang COA na magsagawa ng sarili nilang imbestigasyon sa kanilang mga auditors,” he added.

Pangilinan underscored the urgency of transparency and accountability, especially as public outrage continues to grow over the alleged misuse of funds intended for critical flood mitigation systems. He cited reports of irregular procurement practices, substandard implementation, and possible collusion between officials and contractors.

“Bawat pisong ninakaw mula sa mga proyektong ito ay pagtataksil sa taong bayan, lalong lalo na yung mga buhay, bahay, at pangkabuhayan na nalalagay sa panganib tuwing may bagyo, ulan, at baha,” he said.

The senator’s statement comes on the heels of the “Trillion Peso March,” where tens of thousands of Filipinos rallied nationwide to protest the multi-billion peso flood control scandal implicating high-ranking officials and private firms.