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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider The 8 'cong-tractors': What are their links to gov't projects?

The 8 'cong-tractors': What are their links to gov't projects?

Published Nov 26, 2025 06:46 pm
A total of eight so-called “cong-tractors” or congressmen with links to construction firms have been recommended for probe and charges by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for alleged violation of the 1987 Constitution.
According to ICI chairman retired Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Andres Reyes Jr., these solons engaged in activities that allegedly had conflict of interest to their position in the government.
So, who were these “cong-tractors” and what did they do wrong as far as the ICI is concerned?
1. Former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co
According to ICI, Rep. Co was related to the owner of FS Co Builders and Supply, which cornered 40 infrastructure works from 2020 to 2024 for major civil works worth P3.8 billion.
Co is the sister of incumbent Albay Vice Governor Farida Salcedo Co, the sole proprietor of the company.
FS Co Builders and Supply had a joint venture with HiTone Construction and Development Corporation, which was founded by Christopher Co, the brother of the Vice Governor Rep. Co.
2. Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) Party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola
ICI flagged the relation of Gardiola to three construction firms, namely Newington Builders, Inc., Lourel Development Corporation, and S-Ang General Construction & Trading Inc.
According to ICI, the lawmaker is the brother of Elmer Gardiola, the vice president and treasurer of Newington and the husband of the company's majority stockholder, Elaine Gardiola.
Also, Rep. Gardiola is the brother of Eaerel Benedicto Gardiola, the incorporator of Lourel Development Corporation.
The stockholders and directors of S-Ang General Construction & Trading Inc. are the immediate family of Rep. Gardiola: Judy Gardiola, his wife, is a stockholder and chairman of S-Ang.
His children—Kim Ann Esguerra, Katrina Mara Katigbak, Kaila Gardiola, and KenMartin Gardiola—are stockholders, directors, and officers of S Ang.
The three firms were awarded at least 211 infrastructure projects for major civil works worth P9.2 billion from 2016 to 2024 .
3. USWAG Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James Ang
ICI said Rep. Ang's uncle is Alfonso Tan, one of the two major stockholders of IBC International Builders Corporation and Allencon Development Corporation.
The firm, ICI said, was awarded 241 infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024 for major civil works worth P11 billion.
4. PUSONG PINOY Party-list Rep. Jernie Nisay
ICI flagged Nisay, who is the sole proprietor of JVN Construction and Trading, a firm that garnered P73 million worth of projects.
5. Bulacan 2nd district Rep. Agustina Pancho 
ICI said Pancho is the relative of all the stockholders of C.M. Pancho Construction, Inc., which secured P1 billion worth of infrastructure projects. His relatives are Gerardo Villacorta Pancho, Mathilda Pancho Brobio, Pedro Villacorta Pancho, Clemente Villacorta Pancho, Antonio Villacorta Pancho, Felicita Villacorta Pancho.
6. Cagayan 3rd district Rep. Joseph Lara
ICI said Lara's children, namely Joseph Jeremy, Joseph Kyle, Joseph Joshua, and Joseph Lara II, are stockholders of JLL Pulsar Construction Corporation, which cornered P11 billion.
7. Surigao del Norte 1st district Rep. Francisco Matugas
Matugas' nephew, Ronald Matugas Abejo, is the major stockholder of Boometrix Development Corp. It was awarded P8 billion worth of government infrastructure contracts.
8. Tarlac 3rd district Rep. Noel Rivera
Rivera is the major stockholder of Tarlac 3-G Construction & Development Corporation. It received 72 infrastructure projects worth P2.3 billion.
In making the recommendation, Reyes cited Article 6 Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution that outlines the prohibitions on members of Congress regarding financial interest.
"It states that no member can be financially interested in government contracts, franchises or special privileges during their term," Reyes said.
"They're also prohibited from intervening in government matters for their own personal gain or where their office could influence the outcome," he added.
Reyes urged the Office of the Ombudsman to also look into the eight cong-tractors' possible violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Direct Bribery, Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and the New Government Procurement Act.
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