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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero signs subpoenas compelling attendance of 5 contractors, 3 DPWH execs to Sept. 8 hearing

Escudero signs subpoenas compelling attendance of 5 contractors, 3 DPWH execs to Sept. 8 hearing

Published Sep 4, 2025 11:45 am
Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero has approved the issuance of subpoenas to five contractors and three officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to compel their attendance the public hearing on irregularities surrounding the flood control projects across the country on Sept. 8.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, leads the hearing on alleged ghost flood control projects at the Senate session hall in Pasay City, September 1, 2025. (Mark Balmores)
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, leads the hearing on alleged ghost flood control projects at the Senate session hall in Pasay City, September 1, 2025. (Mark Balmores)
Acting on the recommendation of Senator 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 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.
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.

Related Tags

Chiz Escudero flood control flood control project rodante marcoleta Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
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