Screengrab from Senate PH

Presidents and general managers of some of the country’s top government contractors appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Monday, September 1, as lawmakers pressed ahead with their inquiry into questionable flood control projects.

Among those who faced senators at the committee’s second hearing were Sarah Discaya of Alpha and Omega, Lawrence Lubiano of Centerways, Mark Allan Arevalo of Wawao Builders, and former District Engineer Henry Alcantara. Their presence underscored the Senate’s intent to hold both private contractors and government officials accountable in what has become a widening investigation.

Notably, several other contractors who were issued subpoenas failed to show up. The committee cited them in contempt, with senators warning that their continued defiance could soon lead to arrests.

The ongoing probe seeks to untangle alleged anomalies in the implementation of flood control projects, an issue that has drawn heightened public attention amid persistent flooding in many parts of the country. The committee has signaled that its investigation will continue to zero in on both government agencies and private contractors involved in these projects.