ICI asked to probe P4B worth of flood control contracts in Davao City

ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio on Tuesday asked the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate flood control projects in Davao City.

In an interview, Tinio said he submitted a letter asking the ICI to investigate at least 80 contracts worth P4.4 billion in Davao City from 2019 to 2022.

Tinio expressed belief that the contracts contain red flags or anomalies.

"So iba-ibang tipo ng anomalya ang nakita natin. Mayroong double funding, iba 'yung location, at saka mas maiksi 'yung flood control project kaysa doon sa inaprubahan. Sa budget, so possible overpricing ito," he said.

(So we saw different kinds of anomalies. There's double funding, projects at different locations, and flood control project durations that are shorter than what was approved. With regard to budgets, this is possibly a case of overpricing.)

"Tapos may nakita rin tayo na mga incomplete pa rin kahit na 2020 or 2022 pa in-award. So meron hanggang ngayon incomplete pa rin 'yung marka nila. Sa tingin natin dapat kagyat na i-check ito ng ICI," he added.

(Then we also found incomplete projects even though they were awarded in 2020 or 2022. So until now, their status is still incomplete. We think the ICI should urgently check on these.)

Tinio said the projects are located along the Davao River and the Matina River. He said practically all were located in the first district of Davao.

According to Tinio, the 80 contracts were awarded to 34 contractors, including the CLTG Builders, which is owned by the father of Senator Bong Go.

However, he said CLTG was not among the top 10 contractors that were awarded the most contracts.

GMA Integrated News has sought comment from Go.

The senator's communications team said that the senator cannot speak on behalf of CLTG as he is not part of the company.

Go's office, however, noted that CLTG does not appear in the letter submitted by Tinio to the ICI.

In earlier remarks about corruption, Go said, "willing po akong kasuhan kahit kapamilya ko, kahit sino pa 'yan (I'm willing to file a case even against my own family members. It doesn't matter who they are)." — VDV/NB, GMA Integrated News