Jamaine Punzalan

Photo of the new 20-storey Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Head Office Building in Pasig City which was inaugurated by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 23, 2022. Robinson Niñal, Presidential Photo

Article (news)

Politics-Duterte

Kaxandra Salonga

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for not utilizing some P1 billion in its 2024 allocation, which the agency could be compelled to return to the Bureau of National Treasury.</p><p>State auditors said the MMDA obligated P10.8 billion of its P12.8 billion budget in 2024, but only P8.9 billion, or 82.4 percent of obligations were disbursed by the end of the year. </p><p>“Budget under-utilization was mainly due to delays in project implementation and procurement, which hindered the timely delivery of services, delayed socio-economic benefits for Metro Manila residents, and increased the risk of fund reversion to the General Fund,” COA’s 2024 audit report read.</p><p>The audit body said the gaps between obligated and disbursed funds “signal potential inefficiencies in program execution.&quot;</p><p>State auditors warned that the unutilized funds could lapse and undergo re-authorization through legislative processes before they can be used again.</p><p>“This procedural setback not only causes administrative delays, but also hinders medium-term planning, disrupts service delivery, and postpones infrastructure improvements vital to regional development, traffic management, flood control, and urban mobility,” the report read.</p><p>In response, MMDA said it would issue a quarterly memorandum to all implementing units to ensure they are fully aware of the status of the programs and activities.</p><p>It added that their implementing units would coordinate regularly with the contractors to facilitate the processing of claims and expedite payment.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>DELAYS IN FLOOD MANAGEMENT PROJECT </strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>The COA reported delays in the implementation of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1 (MMFMP1) worth more than P167 million.</p><p>MMDA is the project’s implementing agency for Component I or the Modernization of Drainage Areas and the co-implementor of Component IV on Project Management and Coordination.</p><p>“Five completed projects totaling P80,297,019.70 were delayed by 13 to 322 days, while four ongoing projects worth P87,206,561.15 experienced delays of 1 to 676 days, exceeding their original contract periods,” the audit body said.</p><p>The commission attributed the delays to the underutilization of loan funds worth almost P30 million, in addition to logistical issues, scheduling conflicts, resource constraints, and other unforeseen events.</p><div> </div><p>State auditors said that of the 68 projects under MMFMP1, only 23 were completed, 40 are ongoing, and five were not implemented due to failed bidding.</p><p>“Among the completed projects, 18 were finished within their original contract timelines, while 5 experienced delays ranging from 13 to 322 days. Additionally, four ongoing projects as at December 31, 2024 incurred delays ranging from 1 to 676 days,” it added. </p><p>The audit body said the unforeseen factors that led to the project’s delay could have been mitigated with “more thorough planning and meticulous evaluation of supplier and contractor capabilities.”</p><p>“In addition, establishing clearer lines of accountability while fostering collaboration can reinforce performance expectations and support the achievement of project goals. This includes defining responsibilities, documenting progress, identifying implementation risks early, and ensuring that corrective actions are taken when needed,” it added. </p><p>The MMDA recognized delays in project progress, citing mobility restrictions during COVID-19 and frequent shifts in leadership and technical guidance from partners like the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.</p><p>To address the delays, MMDA said its Project Management Office established a monitoring system to align actual project performance with planned activities. </p><p>“Strict monitoring and coordination are also in place to ensure that any foreseen delays may be addressed promptly and appropriate adjustments to the planned activities and projections can be made,” it added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/25/mmda-s-proposed-2026-funding-for-flood-control-programs-lower-by-33-pct-from-2025-budget-1615">MMDA’s proposed 2026 funding for flood control programs lower by 33 pct from 2025 budget</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/11/mmda-repairing-flood-control-structures-damaged-by-typhoon-uwan-1033">MMDA repairing flood control structures damaged by typhoon Uwan</a></div><div><iframe width="1100" height="619" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/THql7mp6Pg0" title="MMDA identifies flood-prone areas in NCR" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for not utilizing some P1 billion in its 2024 allocation, which the agency could be compelled to return to the Bureau of National Treasury.</p>

The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for not utilizing some P1 billion in its 2024 allocation, which the agency could be compelled to return to the Bureau of National Treasury.

COA calls out MMDA over P1-billion unutilized budget, flood project delays

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COA calls out MMDA over P1-billion unutilized budget, flood project delays

Kaxandra Salonga,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 10, 2025 01:18 PM PHT

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