CoA flags OSG handling of Makati building rehab

The Commission on Audit has bared more adverse audit findings at the Office of the Solicitor General.

This time, the CoA uncovered irregularities in the delayed implementation of the rehabilitation of the 11story OSG building in Makati City.

In its 2017 annual audit report, the CoA said the implementation of the rehabilitation of OSG building “may not be able to completely achieve its objectives” as a result of the nonassessment of OSG’s capability to undertake the project.

The CoA noted delays in the completion of the project aimed at addressing the dangers posed on the public by the OSG building.

State auditors revealed that the rehabilitation of the OSG building is vital since the edifice is standing on a portion of the Marikina Fault Valley System and “is exposed to the hazards of earthquake and fire.”

Three components of the OSG rehabilitation project, the acquisition of generator set at ₱1.1 million, structural investigation and engineering at ₱3.7 million, and rehabilitation of firefighting equipment, at ₱9 million, were cited for irregularities in their implementation.

Auditors blamed the OSG for waiting for the approval of the Special Allotment Release Order for the generator set before carrying out the procurement process.

The consulting services for the structural investigation and detailed engineer for the repair and strengthening and retrofitting of the OSG building was authorized to proceed only last Jan. 11.

There was no valid contract for the project as of last Dec. 31 yet obligation and funding was authorized under the 2016 and 2017 General Appropriations Act.