Senate panel issues subpoenas for absent contractors

The Senate blue ribbon committee ordered the issuance of subpoenas against eight private contractors who failed to attend an initial public hearing regarding alleged irregularities in flood control projects on Tuesday.

Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa moved for the subpoenas, and panel chair Senator Rodante Marcoleta approved them after noting that only seven out of 15 invited contractors were present.

Committee vice chairperson Erwin Tulfo emphasized the importance of the investigation, pointing out that P544 billion is at stake and questioning the priorities of absent contractors.

Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said his agency is probing the existence of 'ghost' projects in Bulacan province after reports raised by Senator Jose 'Jinggoy' E. Estrada.

The investigation centers on flood control projects that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flagged in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, when he ordered the DPWH to pursue those behind stalled or anomalous projects.