Escudero warns contractors: Attend flood control hearing or face arrest
Metro Manila, Philippines - Ten contractors who were subpoenaed for skipping the first Senate hearing on anomalous flood control projects risk arrest if they continue to defy the summons, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero warned on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Escudero said he signed the subpoena last week, shortly after the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, on Aug. 19, agreed to issue it to compel the attendance of the following contractors:
1. LUISITO R. TIQUI
President, L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.
2. CEZARAH C. DISCAYA
President, Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation
3. LAWRENCE R. LUBIANO
President, Centerways Construction and Development Inc.
4. EDGAR S. ACOSTA
President, Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp.
5. MARJORIE O. SAMIDAN
Authorized Managing Officer, MG Samidan Construction
6. ROMEO C. MIRANDA
President, Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.
7. MA. ROMA ANGELINE D. RIMANDO
President, St. Timothy Construction Corporation
8. ADERMA ANGELIE D. ALCAZAR
President/CEO, Sunwest, Inc.
9. EUMIR S. VILLANUEVA
President, Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
10. MARK ALLAN V. AREVALO
General Manager, Wawao Builders
“Kinakailangang bigyan linaw nila itong bagay na ito at kung hindi nga nila susundin ang subpoena ng Senado ang susunod na doon ay arrest warrant na hindi ako mag-aatubiling pirmahan kung hindi sila pupunta at magpapakita dito sa patawag ng Senado,” Escudero told reporters in a chance interview at the Senate.
[Translation: They need to clarify this matter, and if they refuse to comply with the Senate's subpoena, the next step would be an arrest warrant - which I will not hesitate to sign if they fail to appear before the Senate as summoned.]
The 10 were among the 15 contractors earlier flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as having secured the most flood control projects with the government. Only seven attended the initial Senate hearing, which examined alleged "ghost" flood control projects and questionable contractor practices.
Rimando, Villanueva, Alcazar, and Tiqui sent apology letters, while the rest, according to the Blue Ribbon, failed to respond to the invitation in time for the hearing.
Lubiano and Samidan sent representatives, but senators insisted that they appear in person at the next hearing.
Escudero previously admitted that Lubiano is a longtime friend and campaign donor, but maintained that he had no role in Lubiano's business operations or contract awards.
The next Senate hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1, according to committee chairman Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
