Manila, Sept. 2 -- A district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan admitted before the House of Representatives Infra-Comm on Tuesday that he issued completion certificates without personally inspecting the works, mostly flood-control projects.

The hearing underscored how questionable agency insertions and flawed certification practices had allowed millions in public funds to flow to contractors, who were earlier flagged by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

DPWH Department Order No. 99, Series of 2015, requires district engineers to personally certify the completion of projects. The certification becomes the official basis for releasing payments to contractors.

In his testimony before the committee,...