2 Discaya firms in P2.4-B NBI building contract

The National Bureau of Investigation is turning its scrutiny inward after learning that two construction firms owned by the Discaya family — the same companies implicated in anomalous flood control projects are the contractors of the P2.4-billion soon-to-rise NBI headquarters in Manila.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

In a chance interview yesterday, resigned NBI director Jaime Santiago confirmed that Way Maker General Contractor Opc and St. Gerrard Construction Co., both Discaya-owned, won the bidding conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the renovation of the NBI building on Taft Avenue.

"When this issue on flood control project corruption broke out, I asked who the contractors were for our headquarters. It turned out to be two Discaya companies," Santiago said in Filipino.

"I'm not saying there is wrongdoing, but we will investigate. What if our building is left incomplete or, worse, built with substandard materials? What if an earthquake strikes and the building collapses while we're inside?" he asked.