DTI charges 8 contractors over flood control anomalies
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has filed formal complaints against eight major contractor-licensees allegedly involved in irregular flood control projects and possible violations of construction industry regulations.
The move comes as part of the government’s broader effort to address alleged corruption in flood control projects amounting to P545 billion, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier flagged in his August State of the Nation Address.
In a statement, the DTI said the complaints were filed under the department’s regulatory authority pursuant to Executive Order No. 913 (series of 1983) and other relevant trade and industry laws.
The contractors facing charges are as follows:
- Legacy Construction Corp.
- Centerways Construction & Development Inc.
- Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp.
- MG Samidan Construction
- L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc.
- QM Builders
- EGB Construction Corp.
- Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp.
These firms were identified as part of the top 15 contractors that cornered 20% of the total P545-billion flood control contracts nationwide, as disclosed by the president.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the complaints were formally lodged before the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board–Monitoring and Enforcement Division (PCAB-MED), which is tasked with investigating contractor non-compliance and enforcing construction industry regulations.
“The DTI will not allow any contractor to undermine the safety and quality of our nation’s infrastructure," Roque said.
"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,” she added.
The filing authorizes the DTI to take preventive actions, including the suspension of licenses and other necessary measures while investigations are ongoing, to uphold the law and protect public interest.
In addition to the eight contractors already charged, the DTI said another eight companies are set to face formal complaints for alleged participation in the flood control project anomalies. These are:
- Triple 8 Construction & Supply Inc.
- Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
- Sunwest Inc.
- Road Edge Trading & Development Services
- SYMS Construction Trading
- Wawao Builders Corp.
- Royal Crown Monarch Construction and Supplies Corp.
- St. Timothy Construction Corp.
Seven of these companies, except SYMS Construction, were also among the top 15 firms identified by Marcos as those that cornered a significant share of the flood control projects.
Roque said the latest action is part of the DTI’s continuing efforts that reflect the government’s "strong commitment to maintaining fairness, accountability and integrity within the construction sector.”
The trade chief added that the department’s 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.
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