NBI Probes P7-B Davao Projects Awarded to Single Firm

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation has widened its probe into flood control projects in the first district of Davao City, saying it found that projects worth about P7 billion were awarded to a single contractor from 2018 to 2024. NBI Director Melvin Matibag said on Thursday that the bureau initially believed it was dealing with multiple contractors but that further investigation showed the P7 billion in projects was concentrated in one firm. He added that the NBI is looking into the matter, which involves projects in the first district of Davao City, the congressional district of Paolo Duterte, the eldest son of President Rodrigo Duterte and former mayor of Davao City. “We are looking into it,” Matibag said when asked if the NBI was investigating possible irregularities in the awarding of the projects. He said the NBI had already sent notices to the contractor and the concerned government agencies. “We are waiting for their responses,” Matibag said. The NBI chief did not identify the contractor or the government agencies involved. However, he said that the NBI has already coordinated with the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for its investigation. “We are also looking into the possibility of collusion between the contractor and the government officials,” Matibag said. He added that the NBI is also investigating other possible cases of corruption in the city. “We are committed to ensuring that public funds are used for the benefit of the people and not for personal gain,” Matibag said. Paolo Duterte has been the subject of various investigations by the Senate and other government agencies in the past. In 2017, he was investigated by the Senate for alleged involvement in the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu into the Philippines. He resigned as mayor of Davao City in December 2017, citing “personal reasons.” He was later elected as a congressman for the first district of Davao City in May 2019. Inquirer NewsInfo