The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has summoned the owners and executives of the 15 largest flood control project contractors to its first hearing on Tuesday, August 18, to address concerns over the concentration of multi-billion-peso contracts awarded to a small group of firms.
Among those called was Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development, who Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero admitted was a personal friend. Escudero, however, downplayed Lubiano’s role, pointing out that Centerways only accounted for about 1% of the ₱545 billion allocated for flood control projects from July 2022 to May 2025.
Also summoned was Cezarah C. Discaya, president of Alpha and Omega General Contractor & Development, who previously ran for mayor of Pasig. Her other company, St. Timothy Construction, was likewise directed to attend the hearing through its manager, Roma Angeline Rimando.
Other contractors invited by the panel include:
- Alex Abelido, president of Legacy Construction Corp.
- Allan Quirante, owner of QM Builders
- Erni Baggao, proprietor of EGB Construction Corp.
- Eumir Villanueva, president of Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
- Aderma Angelie Alcazar, president/CEO of Sunwest Inc.
- Edgar Acosta, president of Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp.
- Wilfredo Natividad, general manager of Triple 8 Construction & Supply Inc.
- Romeo Miranda, president of Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.
- Mark Allan Arevalo, general manager of Wawao Builders
- Marjorie Samidan, managing officer of MG Samidan Construction
- Luisito Tiqui, president of L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc.
- Ryan Willie Uy, proprietor of Road Edge Trading & Development Services
The scrutiny comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed surprise that these 15 contractors cornered ₱100 billion worth of flood control projects, representing 18% of the total budget, despite more than 2,400 accredited firms being eligible to participate.
Marcos also questioned what he described as a “mismatch” between flood-prone provinces and those that received the highest concentration of projects. He emphasized the need to ensure equitable distribution of resources to communities most vulnerable to flooding.
Aside from the contractors, the Blue Ribbon Committee has also summoned officials from the Commission on Audit (COA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s mapping office to provide additional clarifications.