Senate Blue Ribbon Orders Show Cause on Flood Control
The Senate blue ribbon committee has issued a show cause order against Edgar Acosta, president of Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation, after he failed to attend the panel’s inquiry on anomalous flood control projects. This move underscores the committee’s firm stance on accountability amid growing concerns over flood control deals.
Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation is among the top 15 contractors identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as major recipients of government flood control contracts. The Senate blue ribbon committee is intensifying its scrutiny of these projects to ensure transparency and proper use of public funds.
Failure to Appear Triggers Show Cause Order
Senate blue ribbon panel chairperson, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, issued the show cause order dated September 2, following Acosta’s repeated absence from scheduled hearings. The committee had previously sent an invitation and a subpoena ad testificandum demanding his presence.
“Since you have failed to appear in the two hearings, the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) requires you to show cause why you should not be cited in contempt under Section 6, Article 6 of the Rules of the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon), and Section 18 of the Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries In Aid of Legislation,” the order states.
The committee expects Acosta’s written explanation within three days of receiving the order, officials reported.
Additional Subpoenas Issued to Key Personnel
Alongside the show cause order, the Senate blue ribbon committee issued subpoenas to several individuals connected to flood control projects in Bulacan. These include Brice Hernandez, former Assistant District Engineer of Bulacan’s 1st District Engineering Office; Juanito Mendoza, Accountant III; Jaypee Mendoza, Chief of Construction Division; and Pacifico Discaya, Managing Officer of Alpha and Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation.
These subpoenas aim to gather critical testimonies regarding project irregularities and contractor practices, community members said.
Contempt Consideration for Contractor Sarah Discaya
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada indicated that the chamber is considering citing contractor Sarah Discaya for contempt. He highlighted her inconsistent statements during the hearings as a cause for concern.
“She is a blatant liar. Her statements are full of inconsistencies,” Estrada pointed out. “She told us she’s only concerned about Alpha and Omega and when I asked about St. Gerard and St. Timothy, she told us she already divested her shares. She only assigned her niece to Saint Timothy. Another is to her husband, and the other is to their child. All in all, it’s also them,” he added.
The Senate blue ribbon committee continues to probe these flood control projects, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in government contracts to protect public interest.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
