House Committee to Summon Key Budget Officials
The House infrastructure committee chair announced plans to summon former bicameral conference committee members to explain the insertion of a P94 million flood control project in Bulacan into the 2024 national budget. This investigation centers on the suspicious allocation of funds for a project that appears nonexistent.
Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, speaking at a news forum in Quezon City, emphasized the importance of calling those involved in the 2024 General Appropriations Bill deliberations. He said, “The investigative logic of this is to ask the members of the bicameral conference committee of 2024 if they know who inserted this.”
Key Figures May Be Called to Testify
Among those expected to be invited are former House appropriations chair Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co and former Senate finance chair Sonny Angara, now the education secretary. Both led their respective chambers during the bicameral committee discussions that reconciled the budget versions.
Officials reported that these figures hold vital information on how the P94 million flood control project along the Angat River in Plaridel, Bulacan, made its way into the budget despite not appearing in the Department of Budget and Management’s National Expenditure Program (NEP) or the House’s original budget version.
Project Found Nonexistent Despite Budget Allocation
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the site last Thursday and discovered that the project, awarded to Wawao Builders—one of the top contractors dominating flood control contracts—only began construction three weeks ago. This contradicts claims that the project was completed in 2024.
Community members noted that this strongly suggests the project was a congressional insertion during the bicameral conference committee’s budget reconciliation process.
Next Hearing to Focus on Contractor License Issues
The committee’s upcoming hearing on September 9 will initially tackle concerns about the Discaya group of companies. The Philippine Contractors’ Accreditation Board (PCAB) has ordered the revocation of licenses for nine companies allegedly colluding by bidding together despite having the same beneficial owner.
Ridon stated that while they previously did not plan to invite Rep. Co regarding the 2025 budget insertions, the current focus on the ghost project makes his testimony relevant. “But the difference now is that this is a budget insertion relating to a ghost project,” he said.
Further Inquiries on Project Proponents
Officials also reported that the committee plans to continue inviting former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara and representatives from Wawao Builders. Alcantara admitted during a prior hearing that he proposed another ghost project worth P55 million, a reinforced river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag, into the NEP.
He claimed negligence for signing off on the completion certificates, relying on staff reports. However, Ridon rejected this explanation, accusing Alcantara of intentional fraud and urging charges of plunder.
Investigation Timeline and Outlook
The chair clarified that invitations to key individuals could be extended within two to three weeks. Meanwhile, Rep. Co is reportedly in the United States for medical treatment, which may affect scheduling.
This inquiry into the P94 million flood control project underscores the ongoing efforts to uncover anomalous and ghost projects in the national budget, ensuring government funds are properly utilized.
For more news and updates on government infrastructure, visit Filipinokami.com.
