Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives began its investigation into the alleged corruption in infrastructure projects on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
The House infrastructure committee – composed of the panels of public accounts, public works and highways, and good government and public accountability – led the inquiry.
Of the 16 contractors invited, 11 attended. The joint committee will issue subpoenas to the following contractors for skipping the pilot hearing:
+ Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development
+ St. Timothy Construction
+ Royal Crown Monarch Construction and Supplies
+ Wawao builders
+ Syms Construction Trading
Embattled contractor Sarah Discaya owns Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development and St. Timothy Construction.
READ: Discaya admits family’s 9 companies bid for same projects
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima expressed concern on the probe’s impartiality as some House members were accused of benefitting from the infrastructure projects.
“In plain terms, I object to the House itself investigating this very significant, even sensitive matter. When the House of Representatives investigates anomalies in flood control projects, we must ask: Is it wise? Is it prudent? Is it proper for this chamber to investigate itself, when
there are already reports that some members here may be involved in these very projects?” de Lima inquired.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno moved that all panel members “ make a full disclosure of their financial, business, or pecuniary interest that may be directly or indirectly affected by any investigation into the government’s past or present flood control projects.”
