Senate Questions MG Samidan Construction Flood Control Projects
During a recent Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, officials scrutinized MG Samidan Construction’s flood control projects worth billions. The president of MG Samidan Construction clarified that the company has been operational since 1991, countering claims that it is a newly established firm.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa questioned how the company managed to secure 60 flood control projects totaling P5.3 billion, despite reports indicating a paid-up capital of only P250,000 since its 2019 registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Company History and Structure Explained
Majorie Samidan, president of MG Samidan Construction, explained that the firm is a sole proprietorship with a history spanning over three decades. She said the business was initially started by her late husband in 1991 as an authorized managing officer.
“In 1991, it was started by my husband as an authorized managing officer. When he died in 2007, I had to register again, but we used the trade name of my husband. This is a sole proprietorship,” she shared.
Samidan further revealed that in 2019, she attempted to transition the business into a corporation named MG Samidan Construction and Development. However, the plan was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clarifying Project Locations and Scope
When asked about the geographical distribution of their flood control projects from 2022 to 2025, Samidan indicated most are located in the Cordillera Administrative Region, with some projects in La Union and Pangasinan.
Senator dela Rosa also raised concerns about potential ghost projects. Samidan firmly denied any such allegations, simply stating, “None.”
Licensing and Contract Limits Under Scrutiny
Senator Rodante Marcoleta pressed Samidan on the company’s licensing category. She confirmed that MG Samidan Construction holds a General Engineering A license from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board.
Marcoleta pointed out that contracts under category A are limited to a maximum of P300 million. However, Samidan argued that the company bids based on its experience and never secures contracts exceeding that amount for a single project.
MG Samidan’s Role in National Flood Control Efforts
MG Samidan Construction ranks among the top 15 contractors awarded the majority of flood control projects under the current administration. The president of the company highlighted their significant involvement in flood mitigation efforts nationwide.
One of their largest undertakings is the construction of a flood control structure along the Abra River Basin in Barangay San Jose Sur, Manabo, Abra, valued at P144.7 million.
Officials noted that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos initially flagged some red flags related to flood control projects, including construction in areas not typically prone to flooding, prompting closer examination of contractors like MG Samidan.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
