NBI probes P1.9B Davao flood control projects given to just 1 contractor

NBI Director Melvin Matibag —Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has conducted an investigation into the P1.9 billion flood control projects in the district of Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, which were found to have been awarded to only one contractor, Director Melvin Matibag said. According to Matibag, the bureau discovered from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ records that P1.9 billion in projects from Duterte’s district were all awarded to Genesis88 Construction, Inc. “Di ba, ang pinagsimulan nga diyan [flood control scandal], ’yung mga kontraktor na sila na lang ang nakakuha nang nakakuha ng kontrata sa buong Pilipinas. Pero this is a specific area, specific district, na ang nakakuha lang ng kontrata ay yung Genesis 88. Kaya kailangan nating tingnan,” Matibag said in an interview with reporters on Monday. Article continues after this advertisement (What started it [flood control scandal], the contractors were the only ones who got contracts all over the Philippines. But this is a specific area, a specific district, where only Genesis 88 got the contracts. So we have to look at it.) READ: Rep. Duterte may be probed if linked to illegal activities – Matibag He mentioned that the NBI’s initial investigation established that the contractor is a “long-time friend” of the Dutertes. The NBI director also said that records show projects in the district started in 2024 but are still incomplete. “So, titingnan pa natin. Ebidensya yung tinitingnan natin at hindi ‘marites,’” Matibag said. Article continues after this advertisement (So, we will still look at it. What we are looking at is evidence and not speculation.) Investigation is still underway Meanwhile, the NBI director clarified that he is not yet implying that the P1.9 billion flood control projects already have irregularities, noting that the investigation is still underway. Article continues after this advertisement “Kung wala silang kasalanan, then we’re willing to make a statement na tiningnan namin ’yung mga sinasabi na may issue diyan sa flood control at kahit isa lang yung contractor, tapos maayos ang gawa,” Matibag said. (If they are not guilty, then we’re willing to make a statement that we have looked into the allegations that there is an issue with flood control and even if it was just one contractor, the work was done properly.) “’Yung investigation is to clear people and to indict people. Kung merong guilty, may ginawang masama, there is a whiff of corruption na naamoy natin, at meron na talaga nangyayaring corruption, kasuhan natin. Pero kung inaakusahan, binabalita, may minamarites, na meron daw mga corruption, at ’yun pa lang, ginawa at tapos naman pala, sabihin din natin,” he added. (The investigation is to clear people and to indict people. If there is someone guilty, something bad has been done, there is a whiff of corruption that we smell, and there is really corruption going on, let us indict them. But if it is being accused or reported, and there are speculations of corruption, but it turns out the work was done properly, we will also say that.) ‘NBI subpoena vs Duterte, contractor if needed’ When asked if the NBI would issue subpoenas to Duterte and the contractor as its investigation proceeds, Matibag said, “if needed.” “Kung saan po tayo dadalhin ng ebidensya,” Matibag emphasized. (Depending on where the evidence will take us.) “But in the meantime, we’re having a table analysis of the pieces of evidence, documentary evidence that is presented to us,” he said. In a Facebook post earlier on Monday, Duterte said the NBI must investigate not those who repeatedly win the contracts, but “if there is overpricing, ghost projects, substandard construction, kickbacks, or any theft from the public treasury.” READ: Ombudsman to probe into flood control ‘epicenter’ Davao City “Kung may irregularidad man sa pag-award sa proyekto, dapat lang imbestigahan. Pero kung dumaan sa tamang proseso, legal ang award, natapos nang maayos ang proyekto, at walang nakurakot na pera ng bayan, di naman siguro illegal kung sa iilang tao lang na award,” Duterte said. (If there are irregularities in the awarding of the project, it should be investigated, but if it went through the proper process, the award was legal, the project was completed properly, and no public money was embezzled, then it is probably not illegal if it was awarded to only a few people.) “Kung may ebidensiya kayo ng krimen, ilabas ninyo at panagutin ang dapat managot. Pero kung wala, tigilan ang trial by publicity at ang pagpaparinig na parang may hatol na bago pa matapos ang imbestigasyon,” the congressman added. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. (If you have evidence of a crime, bring it out and hold those responsible accountable. But if not, stop the trial by publicity and making it sound like there is a verdict before the investigation is even finished.) /cb