DTI files charges against 8 contractors; COA seeks prosecution of DPWH officials

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has filed formal charges against eight of the 15 contractors who amassed 20 percent of the P545-billion budget for flood control projects since President Marcos assumed office in 2022.

- By DEXTER BARRO II and CZARINA NICOLE ONG-KI

On the other hand, the Commission on Audit (COA) has recommended the prosecution of several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) and private contractors in the P309.55 million "ghost" flood control projects in Bulacan.

The DTI, citing its regulatory authority, said it has filed charges against the contractor-licensees for their reported involvement in anomalous flood control projects and potential violations of construction industry regulations.

The filing of charges authorizes the DTI to take immediate preventive actions against the construction firms while investigations are ongoing.

The agency said it will suspend licenses and take other necessary measures to ensure that "the law is upheld and the public is protected." The eight contractors charged by the DTI are Legacy Construction Corp.; Centerways Construction & Development, Inc.; Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp.; MG Samidan Construction; LR. Tiqui Builders, Inc.; QM Builders; EGB Construction Corp.; and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp.

Legacy, Alpha & Omega, and EGB were found to have flood control projects in almost all regions nationwide, alongside St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Road Edge Trading & Development Services.

These construction were among the 15 contractors flagged by President Marcos in August for potential irregularities, as they had been awarded 20 percent of his administration's entire flood control budget.

While Marcos has clarified that the list was not to accuse "anyone of anything," he said these findings provide his administration with an idea of how the flood control mess has unraveled.

In the following month, Marcos formed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate irregularities and the misuse of public funds in government flood control and related infrastructure projects.