DTI files complaints vs 8 contractors in flood control mess

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has filed formal complaints against eight contractor-licensees involved in the flood control projects corruption scandal.

In a statement, the DTI said, through the exercise of its regulatory authority under Executive Order No. 913 (series of 1983) and other relevant trade and industry laws, it has filed complaints against contractors for possible violations of construction industry regulations due to their reported involvement in irregular flood control projects.

The contractors who are the subject of the complaints are eight of the top 15 contractors that cornered 20% of P545-billion worth of flood control contracts as disclosed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in August.

The contractors charged are the following:

1. Legacy Construction Corporation
2. Centerways Construction & Development Inc.
3. Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp.
4. MG Samidan Construction
5. L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc.
6. QM Builders
7. EGB Construction Corporation
8. Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation

Sought for further details, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told GMA News Online that the complaints against the eight contractor-licensees were filed before the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board-Monitoring and Enforcement Division (PCAB-MED).

The MED is a division of PCAB responsible for investigating cases of non-compliance by contractors and enforcing construction industry regulations.

The DTI said the filing of complaints authorizes the Trade Department to take immediate preventive actions, including the suspension of licenses and other necessary measures, while investigations are ongoing to ensure that the law is upheld and the public is protected.

“The DTI will not allow any contractor to undermine the safety and quality of our nation’s infrastructure. Every project must reflect competence, honesty, and compliance with standards. These actions send a clear message that only those who build with integrity have a place in the Philippine construction industry,” said Roque.

In addition to the eight contractors who now face complaints, the DTI said another eight are set to face formal complaints for their alleged participation in flood control project anomalies, namely:

1. Triple 8 Construction & Supply Inc.
2. Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
3. Sunwest Inc.
4. Road Edge Trading & Development Services
5. SYMS Construction Trading
6. Wawao Builders Corp.
7. Royal Crown Monarch Construction and Supplies Corporation
8. St. Timothy Construction Corporation

Seven of the above, except SYMS Construction, are the other half of the top 15 contractors bared by the President as those who cornered a significant chunk of flood control projects.

Roque said that this move is part of the DTI’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the law and promote honesty and fair competition in the construction industry.

In line with the directive of the President, the DTI said its Fact-Finding Team continues to investigate other contractor-licensees in coordination with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to uphold integrity and transparency in public works. —KG, GMA Integrated News