COA Scandal? Commissioner’s Wife Bags ₱200M Flood Projects, Senator Tulfo Sounds Alarm

MANILA — Public funds and COA credibility are now in the spotlight after it was revealed that the wife of a Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner is raking in multi-million peso government contracts.

Marilou Laurio-Lipana, wife of COA Commissioner Mario Lipana, is reportedly president and general manager of Olympus Mining and Builders Group Philippines Corporation, which allegedly received ₱200 million in flood control contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Senator Erwin Tulfo warned that the COA’s mandate as watchdog of public funds is at risk when officials’ families are involved in government projects.

“It’s a clear conflict of interest. One spouse works in government—at COA no less—while the other is a contractor. It really doesn’t look good,” Tulfo said.

The senator said even the “appearance” of impropriety is enough to destroy public trust.

“If you’re a government contractor, you get projects funded by public money. What happens if they’re substandard—or worse, ghost projects? How can COA investigate fairly when it’s your own family?” Tulfo asked.

He stressed that government officials and their families should avoid involvement in state projects, saying it would only be acceptable if the business deals were with private firms.

“How can you audit your own family?” Tulfo added.

The controversy is now raising questions about transparency and accountability in government, and whether COA can remain impartial while family members of its officials profit from public funds.