Senate subpoenas 5 contractors, 3 DPWH execs in next Blue Ribbon hearing

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has signed the subpoenas against five other contractors and three officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways to require them to attend the next hearing of Blue Ribbon Committee into the anomalous flood control projects on September 8.

Escudero approved the issuance of subpoenas ad testificandum upon the recommendation of panel chairperson Senator Rodante Marcoleta, according to the Senate President’s office.

Among those who will be summoned in the hearing are Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II—-husband of Sarah Discaya and authorized managing officer of Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation—-as well as former Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez.

Aside from them, subpoenas will also be issued to the following individuals:

• Darcy Kimel D.J. Respicio, general manager of Darcy & Anna Builders and Trading;
• Sally N. Santos, owner/manager of SYMS Construction Trading;
• Maritoni P. Melegrito, authorized managing officer of Elite General Contractor and Development Corporation;
• Edgardo Saggum, owner/manager of Eddmari Construction and Trading;
• Engr. Jaypee D. Mendoza, chief, construction division, Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, DPWH; and
• Engr. Juanito C. Mendoza, accountant III, Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, DPWH

Escudero also approved the subpoena duces tecum addressed to Commission on Audit chairman Gamaliel Cordoba for the submission of the fraud audit highlights of the agency in its review of the flood control projects of the DPWH, as well as a copy of the responses of the respondents to the findings.

The Senate President emphasized that “no stone should be left unturned” in the upper chamber’s investigation in aid of legislation into the questionable flood control projects, which he said “cost taxpayers in billions of pesos and caused nightmares and sufferings for many Filipinos.”

“Let the axe fall on all the personalities found guilty of scheming, conniving and carrying out fraudulent acts in the guise of legitimate taxpayer-funded flood control projects,” he said in a statement.—AOL, GMA Integrated News