(Photo courtesy of House of Representatives)
MANILA – The House Infrastructure Committee (Infra-Comm) on Tuesday opened its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects across the country, vowing to spare no one in holding accountable those behind ghost, substandard, and overpriced projects.
Committee chairperson Terry Ridon said the investigation, a joint undertaking of the House Committees on Public Accounts, Public Works, and Good Government, directly answers the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The committee's first target is the PHP55-million Baliuag, Bulacan flood control project for a reinforced concrete river wall, which turned out to be non-existent.
"We have copies of all relevant documents to build the cases against officials of the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) 1st District Engineering Office and the private contractor, Syms Construction Trading, all of whom are involved in the PHP55-million Baliuag ghost project," Ridon said in his opening speech.
"The threshold for plunder is PHP50 million. This project is PHP55 million. Plunder charges should be filed against all involved personalities at the soonest time," he added.
Ridon also cited two substandard projects in Calumpit, Bulacan, undertaken by St. Timothy Construction and Wawao Builders, noting that these firms were among the top 15 flood control contractors flagged by the Marcos administration.
The Infra-Comm chair made it clear the inquiry will be comprehensive and impartial.
"Hindi mahalaga kung saan ipinatupad ang proyekto… kung ghost, substandard o overpriced ang proyekto, sisiyasatin ng komite yan (It is not important where the project s being implemented… if it's ghost, substandard or overpriced, the committee will investigate it)," Ridon said.
"Hindi rin mahalaga kung sinuman ang sangkot sa mga proyekto, kung mataas na opisyal man ng gobyerno yan, kontratista man 'yan, o kongresista o senador man yan, kung ghost, substandard o overpriced ang proyekto, sisiyasatin ng komite 'yan (It is also not important whoever is involved in the projects, whether he or she is high-government official, a contractor, congressman or senator, if the project is ghost, substandard or overpriced, the committee will investigate it)," he said.
Beyond accountability, he said the investigation aims to introduce reforms.
"Layunin nating maglatag ng mga bagong panukala, para magkaroon ng perpetual blacklist ang mga hindi maaayos na mga kontratista. Layunin din nating pasalihin ang pribadong sektor sa mga inspeksyon ng mga proyekto… para putulin ang linya ng korapsyon sa mga proyekto (We aim to introduce new proposals, to have a perpetual blacklist of erring contractors. We also aim to include the private sector in the inspection of the projects… to cut the line of corruption in the projects)," he said.
The House panel also committed to submit all its findings to the Independent Commission created by President Marcos, to show the public that the panel is not covering up for any congressman or senator. (PNA)
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