NBI probes alleged bid-rigging in DPWH flood control projects

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating potential bid-rigging in flood control projects awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that seven to eight of the top 15 contractors awarded the majority of flood control project funds appear to share common officials, indicating potential interlocking directors.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously noted that 15 contractors received 20% of the P545 billion allocated for flood control.

Among the identified top contractors are Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction Corporation, both reportedly owned by Sarah Discaya.

The NBI's own headquarters building, currently under construction, is also involved, with Director Santiago confirming two contractors, Way Maker General Contractor Opc and St. Gerrard Construction Co., are Discaya-owned.

Santiago confirmed these two Discaya-owned firms won the bidding for the P2.4-billion NBI headquarters renovation conducted by the DPWH.

The NBI will investigate the NBI building project for potentially substandard materials and will have engineers check if the firms followed engineering standards, especially in the building's foundation.