CHIZ SIGNS MORE SUBPOENAS TO COMPEL ATTENDANCE OF 5 CONTRACTORS, 3 DPWH EXECS TO SEPT. 8 HEARING

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero has approved the issuance of subpoenas to five contractors and three executives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to compel their attendance to the September 8 public hearing on irregularities surrounding the flood control projects across the country.

Acting on the recommendation of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the Senate chief signed the subpoenas ad testificandum for the following:

• Darcy Kimel D.J. Respicio, general manager of Darcy & Anna Builders and Trading;

• Sally N. Santos, owner/manager of SYMS Construction Trading;

• Pacifico F. Discaya II, authorized managing officer of Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation;

• 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;

• Engr. Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, former assistant district engineer, Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, DPWH; and

• Engr. Juanito C. Mendoza, accountant III, Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, DPWH

The Senate chief 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 and a copy of the responses of the respondents to the findings.

The Blue Ribbon Committee has started last Monday its investigation in aid of legislation of various flood control projects that were either sub-standard or non-existent at all, which are being blamed for widespread flooding in many areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, particularly in Bulacan.

Senate President Escudero said “no stone should be left unturned in the inquiry into these highly questionable flood control projects that 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 added.