The Senate probe: Laundry list of no-show contractors
The probe into alleged anomalies in flood-control projects revealed that 8 of the top 15 contractors secured ₱100 billion ($1.75 billion) worth of contracts.
These contractors, identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as having cornered 20% of the ₱545 billion flood-control budget since 2022, either ignored the Senate’s invitation or provided excuses for their absence.
The Senate approved subpoenas for the following no-show contractors to compel their attendance at subsequent hearings.
The absent contractors are:
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Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp.: Linked to Sarah Discaya, a Pasig mayoral candidate, cited a “prior commitment.”
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St. Timothy Construction Corp.: Also associated with Sarah Discaya and her husband Pacifico, cited “grieving the death of a foster parent” for owner Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando’s absence (this firm faced scrutiny for a substandard, incomplete ₱96.4-million dike project in Calumpit, Bulacan, flagged by Marcos as “economic sabotage.”)
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Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.: Excused due to a “previously scheduled medical procedure.”
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Sunwest Inc.: Linked to Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, cited a “scheduled family-related leave abroad.”
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Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp.: No specific excuse reported, simply did not attend.
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Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.: No specific excuse reported, simply did not attend.
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Wawao Builders: Represented by Mark Allan Arevalo, flagged for alleged ghost projects in Bulacan (₱5.9 billion of ₱9 billion nationwide contracts), did not attend.
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L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.: No specific excuse reported, simply did not attend.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed the subpoenas were signed on August 26, 2025. Senators, including Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Jinggoy Estrada, expressed frustration over the no-shows. Estrada also questioned Alpha & Omega’s connections to the DPWH.
