Senate cites contractors in contempt for skipping flood control probe
2025-Sep-01 14:59
Screenshot from the Senate of the Philippines' Facebook page
The Senate cited several contractors in contempt for ignoring subpoenas and skipping the chamber's inquiry into questionable flood control projects.
The probe is being conducted under the Motu Proprio investigation titled "Philippines Under Water," which examines alleged anomalies in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control programs.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who presides over the inquiry, announced that the contractors who failed to appear will face contempt charges. "All persons invited and properly served subpoena but did not appear in today's hearing are all cited in contempt, in preparation of the eventual issuance of warrant of arrest," Marcoleta stated. The move followed a motion by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, which Marcoleta supported.
If the contractors continue to ignore the Senate summons, arrest warrants are expected to be issued. The investigation addresses long-standing issues in flood control projects and probes allegations of corruption and mismanagement in DPWH infrastructure programs.
The Senate launched its inquiry after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named 15 contractors that secured P100 billion worth of flood control contracts. On-site inspections of projects linked to these firms revealed incomplete and substandard work, fueling suspicions of ghost projects and corruption.