Senate issues subpoenas over P544-B flood control projects

Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero has issued subpoenas to five contractors and three Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials for a Blue-ribbon Committee hearing on alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

The hearing, recommended by Committee Chairman Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta, will take place next week.

Escudero emphasized that no stone should be left unturned in the inquiry into these questionable projects that have cost taxpayers billions and caused suffering.

He vowed that "the axe should fall on all the personalities found guilty of scheming, conniving and carrying out fraudulent acts."

Subpoenaed contractors include Pacifico "Curlee" II Discaya of Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation, Darcy Kimel D.J. Respicio of Darcy & Anna Builders and Trading, Sally Santos of SYMS Construction Trading, Maritoni Melegrito of Elite General Contractor and Development Corporation, and Edgardo Saggum of Eddmari Construction and Trading.

DPWH officials summoned are Engr. Jaypee Mendoza, Engr. Juanito C. Mendoza, and Engr. Brice Ericson Hernandez, all from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.

About P544 billion in public funds have been allocated for flood control nationwide since 2022.

Approximately P100 billion of this amount was cornered by the top 15 contractors identified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.