Contractors Absent in Flood Control Inquiry
After enduring intense questioning at the Senate, contractors Sarah Discaya and Mark Arevalo failed to appear at the House-led inquiry into alleged anomalies in the country’s flood control projects. Their absence in the House tricommittee’s first hearing prompted immediate action from panel chair and Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon.
Ridon issued subpoenas against Discaya, representing Alpha & Omega General Construction, Arevalo of Wawao Builders Corp., and representatives from St. Timothy Construction Corp. (Miguel Juntura), Royal Crown Monarch Construction (Romeo Miranda), and Syms Construction Trading (Sally Santos). These firms were flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month for reportedly dominating the flood control projects and delivering substandard or even ghost projects, draining public funds.
Alpha & Omega’s Expansive Flood Control Empire
Sarah Discaya is linked to a network of nine construction companies, either founded or managed by her and her husband, Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II. This group has secured over 400 flood control projects valued at around P30 billion in the last three years alone.
Aside from Alpha & Omega General Contractor and Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction Corp., which appear on the president’s flagged list, other companies include Amethyst Horizon Builders and General Contractor and Development Corp., Elite General Contractor and Development Corp., Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc., St. Gerrard Construction, St. Matthew General Contractor and Development Corp., Way Maker OPC, and YRP General Contractor and Construction Supply, sources reported.
Top Contractors Dominate National Flood Projects
For context, the 15 top contractors identified by President Marcos Jr. have collectively secured 1,207 flood control projects. This accounts for 18 percent of the nearly 10,000 flood control projects undertaken by the current administration, officials noted. This concentration of projects has raised concerns about transparency and quality.
Mark Arevalo’s Silent Defense Sparks Frustration
Meanwhile, Mark Arevalo drew criticism during the Senate hearing when he frequently invoked his right against self-incrimination. Senators pressed him on whether his company, Wawao Builders Corp., was involved in ghost projects in Bulacan, but he declined to answer.
In Bulacan alone, Wawao Builders reportedly secured 85 projects worth P5 billion, despite having a capital of only P50 million. This disparity has fueled suspicions about the legitimacy of the contracts awarded to his firm, community members said.
Government Scrutiny Intensifies
The ongoing investigations underscore the government’s growing concern over flood control projects that may have been compromised by corruption and poor workmanship. The House and Senate inquiries aim to hold accountable those responsible for any anomalies and ensure that public funds are used appropriately for vital infrastructure.
As the probes continue, affected contractors face increasing pressure to explain their involvement and project outcomes. The public and officials alike await clearer answers to restore trust in flood control initiatives that protect communities nationwide.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
