Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday signed subpoenas for several contractors who failed to attend the initial hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on alleged corruption in flood control projects.
The move came after Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senator Rodante Marcoleta confirmed that the inquiry will resume on Sept. 1 to examine questionable transactions in infrastructure spending.
The subpoenaed contractors include Luisito R. Tiqui, president of L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc.; Cezarah C. Discaya, president of Alpha and Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation; Lawrence R. Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc.; Edgar S. Acosta, president of Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corporation; Marjorie O. Samidan, authorized managing officer of MG Samidan Construction; Romeo C. Miranda, president and authorized managing officer of Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.; Ma. Roma Angeline D. Rimando, president of St. Timothy Construction Corporation; Aderma Angelie D. Alcazar, president and CEO of Sunwest Inc.; Eumir S. Villanueva, president of Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.; and Mark Allan V. Arevalo, general manager of Wawao Builders.
The committee is investigating allegations of overpricing, substandard implementation, and possible collusion in government-funded flood control projects. Its inquiry aims to determine accountability not only of private companies but also of government officials who approved and monitored the projects.
Lawmakers earlier raised concerns that certain contractors repeatedly secured contracts despite questionable track records. They are expected to press the subpoenaed individuals on procurement processes, project quality, and the use of public funds.
The Blue-Ribbon Committee has emphasized that non-compliance with Senate subpoenas may result in contempt charges.
