Gatchalian questions PCO’s P124-M project with DPWH

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian questioned the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) for tapping the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to build a facility outside its core mandate.

Based on the Commission on Audit (COA) report, the PCO hired DPWH in 2019 to construct the Government Communication Academy in Bukidnon (Phase II) worth P45.7 million. Later COA reports showed a similar project costing P79 million.

“Bakit may communications office ang PCO sa Bukidnon?” Gatchalian asked, noting that the facility has no 2026 budget allocation since funds were already set for the remaining 10% of construction.

The PCO said the project, started under the previous administration, was meant to serve as a training center for government communication offices.

“We’ve already spent ₱124 million, and the project is 90% complete. If we don’t finish it, it will just be a white elephant,” the chair of the Senate finance committee said.

The PCO plans to turn over the facility to Northern Bukidnon State College once completed.IMT