Senator Rodante Marcoleta spearheads the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s move to subpoena absent contractors in the ₱545-billion flood control project probe, highlighting accountability and transparency in public funds.
Marcoleta Pushes Subpoenas as Senate Flood Control Probe Heats Up
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, led by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, has intensified its probe into alleged irregularities in multi-billion-peso flood control projects by ordering subpoenas against contractors who failed to attend Tuesday’s hearing.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who chairs the powerful committee, approved the motion initiated by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to compel the presence of contractors identified in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier disclosure on questionable project allocations.
Out of the 15 contractors invited, only 11 responded, and just seven sent representatives. The glaring absence of several big players prompted Marcoleta and his panel to take a firm stance.
Marcoleta: “This is About Accountability”
During the hearing, Senator Rodante Marcoleta emphasized that contractors benefiting from government funds must face public scrutiny.
“Hindi ito simpleng usapin lang ng proyekto—pera ng bayan ang pinag-uusapan dito,” Marcoleta said, stressing that excuses like illness, vacation, or conflicting schedules do not absolve contractors from accountability.
He reminded those absent that nearly ₱545 billion in flood control funds are at stake, and transparency is non-negotiable.
Contractors Under Scrutiny
Among the contractors that attended were:
- Legacy Construction Corporation
- QM Builders
- EGB Construction Corporation
- Centerways Construction and Development Inc.
- Triple 8 Construction & Supply, Inc.
- MG Samidan Construction
- Road Edge Trading & Development Services
However, high-profile names, including failed Pasig mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya, were missing. Their absence added fuel to suspicions, according to the committee.
Expanding the Probe
Senator Rodante Marcoleta also welcomed updates from other agencies. The Commission on Audit’s Fraud Audit Office has secured documents from the Bulacan flood control projects, now under review at its central office in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted there is still “no significant coordination” with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ River Basin Control Office when it comes to crafting a comprehensive flood control master plan.
Former DPWH chief and now Senator Mark Villar warned that piecemeal solutions without a master plan could even worsen flooding in some areas.
Teves Offers to Testify
In a twist, former Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves Jr., who faces multiple legal battles, expressed his willingness to testify before Marcoleta’s panel. His lawyer sent a letter stating Teves hopes to shed light on possible graft in flood control programs.
What’s Next
Senator Rodante Marcoleta vowed that the Blue Ribbon Committee will continue pressing for truth and accountability:
Enforcement of Subpoenas—Absentees are expected to appear at the next hearing or face consequences.
Audit Results – COA’s findings may expose discrepancies or fraudulent practices.
Policy Coordination – Pressure is mounting on DPWH and DENR to synchronize efforts for long-term solutions.
“Ang lahat ng ito ay para sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Marcoleta said. “Hindi natin papayagan na ang pera ng bayan ay mapunta lang sa bulsa ng iilan.”
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