The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has cited in contempt several contractors who ignored its second hearing into the alleged anomalies surrounding flood control projects, paving the way for the issuance of arrest warrants.
At least 14 construction firms sent their presidents or representatives to Monday’s inquiry, but others failed to show up despite invitations and subpoenas. Among the absentees was Eumir S. Villanueva, president of Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. Meanwhile, Edgar Acosta of Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp. skipped the session but sent a staff member in his place. Ma. Roma Angeline D. Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation was initially recorded absent but later managed to attend.
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa pressed the panel to cite in contempt those who continued to defy summons, stressing the need to issue warrants of arrest. Committee chair Sen. Rodante Marcoleta approved the motion, saying the action was “in preparation for the eventual issuance of a warrant of arrest.”
The investigation comes on the heels of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s disclosure of a controversial list of the country’s top 15 flood control contractors. According to the President, these firms cornered nearly ₱100 billion worth of projects—or about 20 percent of close to 10,000 contracts—between July 2022 and May 2025.
Despite massive funding, many communities remain vulnerable to deadly floods, fueling suspicions of substandard or even non-existent projects.
