Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva raised serious concerns on Monday over two construction companies allegedly involved in questionable flood control projects, saying they may be operating as dummy firms using “rented” licenses.
Speaking to the media following the Senate blue ribbon committee’s hearing, Villanueva did not mince words. “It looks like they are dummy companies,” he said, pointing to Wawao Builders and St. Timothy Construction Corporation. He explained that the Senate has been discussing the proliferation of “license for rent” schemes in the construction industry, which allows firms with no real operations to clinch government deals by borrowing credentials from accredited contractors.
During the hearing, St. Timothy Construction’s owner, Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando, denied involvement in any irregularity. Meanwhile, Wawao Builders general manager Mark Allan Arevalo opted to invoke his right against self-incrimination, a move that raised eyebrows among senators.
Villanueva revealed that information had reached them regarding companies tied to the Discayas—figures linked to other flagged infrastructure projects—who allegedly lent out their licenses. “We all know that’s prohibited. But it’s clear. Even [former Public Works Secretary Manuel] Bonoan confirmed that licenses are being lent and sold,” he said.
He further accused those behind the scheme of exploiting legal loopholes in joint ventures and subcontracting arrangements. “They really operate around those loopholes,” he warned. “They have the capacity to run something this massive, and that’s exactly how they’re doing it.”
The senator also took the opportunity to deny accusations that he funded any flood control project. When pressed about his alleged association with former Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, Villanueva pushed back, saying Alcantara had interacted with many public officials. “Just because I was seen with him? He’s with every senator and cabinet secretary who meets with the president. So why just pin it on me?” he said with visible frustration.
Villanueva emphasized that such claims were part of an attempt to discredit him. “They want to create confusion,” he said. “But I’m ready to show all the photos, all the videos—with everyone else involved. Why just me?”
