MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers are zeroing in on alleged irregularities in multi-billion peso flood control projects as the House Committees on Public Accounts, Public Works and Highways, and Good Government and Public Accountability resume their joint hearing on Tuesday, September 9.
The inquiry is expected to scrutinize companies linked to businesswoman Sarah Discaya, whose firms have figured in contracts flagged for anomalies worth billions of pesos. Legislators said they would examine corporate ties, procurement practices and project execution amid concerns of favoritism in awarding flood control projects.
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Subpoenas have been issued to Discaya and other contractors, including Mark Arevalo of Wawao Builders Corp. and Miguel Juntura of St. Timothy Construction Corp., to compel their attendance. Lawmakers warned that failure to appear may lead to contempt charges.
The hearing will also tackle the P96-million flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan, described as a “ghost project,” after state auditors found no construction on the ground despite its award to Wawao Builders. Lawmakers are expected to press how the item was inserted into the 2024 budget during bicameral deliberations.
Lawmakers will also revisit the Commission on Audit findings that hold 13 Bulacan engineers and three contractors liable for P342.66 million worth of unimplemented or substandard flood control works.
Public frustration grows as contracts remain concentrated among a small circle of players, raising questions about favoritism and transparency in project implementation. The House inquiry runs alongside ongoing probes by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Watch the House hearing at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9.