Premature to probe possible lawmaker-contractors in infra, flood control projects - Ridon

Metro Manila, Philippines - A lawmaker said it "might be a bit premature" to conduct an investigation on alleged lawmaker-contractors involved in anomalous infrastructure and flood control projects without names disclosed so far.

Citing Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier said involved lawmakers are receiving a 35-percent cut from infrastructure projects and up to half for flood control projects. The senator added at least 67 House members were contractors in 2022.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, public accounts committee chairman, said a tri-committee – composed of his panel and the committees on public works and good government – will focus its inquiry into the review of all infrastructure projects.

“If in the course of the proceedings matisod ho namin ‘yung mga corruption allegations, ghost projects, substandard facilities, ‘di du’n ho tayo. Iyon po ‘yung aabutin po ng proceedings po na ito,” Ridon said in a press briefing on Friday, Aug. 8.

[Translation: If in the course of the proceedings we come across corruption allegations, ghost projects, substandard facilities, we will stretch the proceedings to those.]

“Pero ‘yung [But] very specific allegation po kasi [is that] 67 congressmen-contractors, hindi naman ‘yun sa amin galing [that did not come from us]; It came from someone else. So, unless and until there are names that are mentioned as to who these people are, parang [seemingly] it might be a bit premature to conduct proceedings relating to it,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that under the Constitution, House members are prohibited from participating in government contracts.

Ridon said it is important to provide names of supposed erring lawmakers, noting that the joint panel will serve as a platform for accusers and the accused to explain their sides.

Once the Department of Public Works and Highways submits the list of infrastructure and flood control projects to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ridon said they are expecting to receive a copy for their perusal.

During the State of the Nation Address, Marcos pledged to solve the perennial flooding after several areas were inundated due to rains from consecutive storms and the southwest monsoon. He also assured the public that those who will be proven to be involved in the corruption of flood control projects will be held accountable.

Ridon has previously filed a resolution to look into the impact of the Manila Bay dolomite beach amid persistent flooding in the capital.