NBI Probes P1.9B Davao Flood Control Projects Awarded to Single Contractor

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an investigation into P1.9 billion worth of flood control projects in the district of Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, which were found to have been awarded to only one contractor, Genesis88 Construction, Inc. According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the bureau discovered from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ records that P1.9 billion in projects from Duterte’s district were all awarded to Genesis88 Construction, Inc. “Di ba, ang pinagsimulan nga diyan [flood control scandal], ’yung mga kontraktor na sila na lang ang nakakuha nang nakakuha ng kontrata sa buong Pilipinas. Pero this is a specific area, specific district, na ang nakakuha lang ng kontrata ay yung Genesis 88. Kaya kailangan nating tingnan,” Matibag said in an interview with reporters on Monday. He mentioned that the NBI’s initial investigation established that the contractor is a “long-time friend” of the Dutertes. The NBI director also said that records show projects in the district started in 2024 but are still incomplete. “So, titingnan pa natin. Ebidensya yung tinitingnan natin at hindi ‘marites,’” Matibag said. Meanwhile, the NBI director clarified that he is not yet implying that the P1.9 billion flood control projects already have irregularities, noting that the investigation is still underway. “Kung wala silang kasalanan, then we’re willing to make a statement na tiningnan namin ’yung mga sinasabi na may issue diyan sa flood control at kahit isa lang yung contractor, tapos maayos ang gawa,” Matibag said. “’Yung investigation is to clear people and to indict people. Kung merong guilty, may ginawang masama, there is a whiff of corruption na naamoy natin, at meron na talaga nangyayaring corruption, kasuhan natin. Pero kung inaakusahan, binabalita, may minamarites, na meron daw mga corruption, at ’yun pa lang, ginawa at tapos naman pala, sabihin din natin,” he added. When asked if the NBI would issue subpoenas to Duterte and the contractor as its investigation proceeds, Matibag said, “if needed.” “Kung saan po tayo dadalhin ng ebidensya,” Matibag emphasized. “But in the meantime, we’re having a table analysis of the pieces of evidence, documentary evidence that is presented to us.” In a Facebook post earlier on Monday, Duterte said the NBI must investigate not those who repeatedly win the contracts, but “if there is overpricing, ghost projects, substandard construction, kickbacks, or any theft from the public treasury.” “Kung may irregularidad man sa pag-award sa proyekto, dapat lang imbestigahan. Pero kung dumaan sa tamang proseso, legal ang award, natapos nang maayos ang proyekto, at walang nakurakot na pera ng bayan, di naman siguro illegal kung sa iilang tao lang na award,” Duterte said. “Kung may ebidensiya kayo ng krimen, ilabas ninyo at panagutin ang dapat managot. Pero kung wala, tigilan ang trial by publicity at ang pagpaparinig na parang may hatol na bago pa matapos ang imbestigasyon,” the congressman added. /cb