DTI files complaints vs 8 contractors tagged in flood control mess
The Department of Trade and Industry has filed formal complaints against eight out of 15 contractors that got the lion's share of all flood control projects in the past three years.
Citing its regulatory authority under Executive Order 913 and other relevant trade and industry laws, the DTI is suing Legacy Construction Corp., Centerways Construction & Development Inc., Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp., MG Samidan Construction, L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc., QM Builders, EGB Construction Corp., and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp. for their possible violation of construction industry regulations.
The agency will take immediate preventative actions, including suspending the licenses of the mentioned contractors.
"The DTI will not allow any contractor to undermine the safety and quality of our nation's infrastructure. Every project must reflect competence, honesty and compliance with standards. These actions send a clear message that only those who build with integrity have a place in the Philippine construction industry," Trade Secretary Christina Roque said.
Moreover, the rest of the 15 contractors will face formal complaints for their alleged links to anomalous flood control projects. This includes Triple 8 Construction & Supply Inc., Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., Sunwest Inc., Road Edge Trading & Development Services, Wawao Buildings Corp., Royal Crown Monarch Construction and Supplies Corp., and St. Timothy Construction Corp. SYMS Construction Trading is also set to be charged.
In August, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed the 15 contractors cornered P100 billion, or about 20% of the P545 billion of the administration's flood control projects from July 2022 to May 2025.
Department of Public Works and Highways Sec. Vince Dizon, in September, filed criminal complaints against ex-officials of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and four private contractors—SYMS Construction, Wawao Builders, St. Timothy Construction, and IM Construction—linked to the ghost flood control projects.
Roque previously said in a press briefing on Oct. 22 that the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board licenses of the top 15 contractors is in the "final stages."
