Ombudsman Launches Investigation Into COA Commissioner Over Spouse’s Government Contracts

The Office of the Ombudsman has confirmed to members of the House of Representatives that it is conducting an investigation into Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana. The move follows reports that Commissioner Lipana's wife, Marilou Laurio Lipana, is a contractor engaged in multiple government infrastructure projects.

The confirmation was made during plenary discussions on the Ombudsman’s proposed 2026 budget on the morning of September 24. Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio questioned the status of the Ombudsman’s actions regarding Commissioner Lipana.

"Has the Ombudsman taken any concrete steps regarding this COA commissioner?" Tinio asked during the debate, addressing Budget Sponsor and Quezon 4th District Representative Keith Micah Tan.

Tan, who also serves as vice chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, responded, "As far as I am able to disclose, the Ombudsman is currently conducting an ongoing fact-finding investigation involving COA Commissioner Lipana."

Expressing surprise, Tinio replied, "So the Ombudsman already has an ongoing investigation on Commissioner Lipana? That’s good to know."

Marilou Laurio Lipana heads Olympus Mining and Builders Group Philippines as its president and general manager. The company reportedly holds nine active contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan, including flood control projects and farm-to-market road developments. These projects have a combined value of approximately ₱326.6 million, with completed flood control works totaling ₱178.5 million.

These disclosures arise amid widespread public outrage over alleged collusion between contractors and lawmakers in anomalous or "ghost" flood control projects, which purportedly generate millions in kickbacks at the expense of government funds.

The situation raises concerns over conflict of interest and ethical standards, with Tinio calling for Commissioner Lipana’s resignation during budget committee hearings due to the apparent lack of delicadeza.

Currently, Commissioner Lipana is undergoing medical treatment in Singapore and is expected to return only at the end of the month.

Further developments came during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 23, where former DPWH Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara testified that Commissioner Lipana had requested a list of flood control projects in Bulacan around 2022.