Senate Blue Ribbon Cites Contempt for Flood Control Absences
MANILA — The Senate blue ribbon committee took decisive action on Monday by citing for contempt the owners of St. Timothy Construction Corporation and Topnotch Catalyst Builders for skipping the flood control hearing. This move came as part of the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, emphasizing the importance of accountability, urged the committee to cite for contempt all invited individuals who were properly subpoenaed but failed to appear at the September 1, 2025, hearing. He said, “May I move to cite for contempt all these absent invitees so that warrants may be issued against them?”
Key Absentees in Flood Control Hearing
Among those subpoenaed, only two contractors were absent: Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando, owner and president of St. Timothy Construction, and Eumir Villanueva of Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. Their absence raised concerns among senators and committee members about transparency in flood control projects.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada promptly seconded the motion to cite these individuals for contempt. Meanwhile, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who chaired the hearing, formally approved the motion, stating, “There was a motion and it has been seconded that all persons invited and properly served subpoena but did not appear in today’s hearing are all cited in contempt in preparation for the eventual issuance of a warrant of arrest.”
Background on Flood Control Project Investigation
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed the top 15 contractors who have secured the bulk of government flood control projects. This revelation set the stage for the Senate blue ribbon panel’s thorough investigation.
Of these 15 firms, seven participated in the initial hearing held on August 19, while the remaining eight, including the two absent contractors, were subpoenaed to attend subsequent hearings for further scrutiny. Officials highlighted that the Senate aims to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public funds allocated for flood control.
Implications and Next Steps
The contempt citation signals the Senate’s firm stance against non-compliance during legislative investigations. Community members noted that such measures are necessary to uphold accountability, especially in projects critical to public safety and infrastructure.
Legal experts pointed out that the issuance of arrest warrants could follow if the cited individuals continue to ignore the Senate’s subpoenas. This development underscores the urgency in addressing alleged irregularities in flood control initiatives.
As the investigation proceeds, community leaders and stakeholders continue to watch closely, hoping for swift resolutions and reforms that will improve flood management and protect vulnerable communities.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
