The Commission on Audit (COA) today announced that it has fast-tracked the final approval of a new policy that will require GPS-based geotagging for all government infrastructure projects.
This drive is aimed at ending the Ghost projects, stockpiling the listed buildings, and ensuring the guaranteed use of public funds.
The proposed release, which is officially called “mandatory geotagging for all infrastructure projects of the national government, local government units, and government-owned organizations and organizations” in the photo regions in all periods of the project after completion.
Coa chairman Galiel A. Cordoba emphasized that “the public also wanted greater security against misuse of money, and this policy pays for where it is, when it is done, and in fact it is built.”
No payment without verification
Under this new policy, government agencies and contractors must submit geotagged photos that include the exact GPS coordinates of the project, along with the date and time the photo was taken. Obviously, no infrastructure project can be reported as completed, and accordingly no payment can be issued, unless the necessary geotagged images are submitted and verified by the COA inspection team.
This policy is going through a review process
A first draft was completed in September and shared with internal stakeholders in October for comments and suggestions. On November 7, 2025, a revised version was circulated to the major implementing agencies for their technical and operational input organizations, with a request for comment by Nov 25, 2025.
The issuance of Article IX-D of the 1987 Constitution, which empowers the COA to define audit methods and methods to ensure the correct use of funds, then strengthens the provision of funds available in the General Allocation of Funds.
The chairman of Coa Cordoba said: “Let this be clear, the proper use of taxpayers’ money is non-negotiable and we will hold accountable projects to bring measurable benefits to the entire Filipino community.”
The COA is currently participating in interagency coordination in the use of satellite image data through the Philippine space agency, led by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, which appears to be compatible with geotagging requirements.
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