Philippine Congressman Faces Malversation Probe Over Public Works Contracts

MANILA, Philippines – Ombudsman Boying Remulla said a preliminary investigation against Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) party-list Representative Edwin Gardiola for 20 counts of malversation is now ongoing. “The first case is about his being a contractor. He engaged in self-dealing within Congress, and he performed work that a congressman should never be doing. A ‘cong-tractor,’ as they say. You know what that means — it’s a clear conflict of interest,” Remulla told a press conference on Friday, July 31. Rappler first reported in August 2025 that the Gardiola family’s companies had allegedly secured billions of pesos in public works contracts since he became a congressman in 2022. S-Ang, Newington, and Lourel Development Corporation — owned by either his wife, children, or siblings — received P17 billion in flood control and other government contracts since 2023, coinciding with the time he became House appropriations vice chairman. In November 2025, Rappler also published a two-part follow-up investigation detailing Gardiola’s alleged scheme to buy DPWH contracts from budget gatekeepers and resell them to contractors at a markup, as well as his alleged efforts to recruit fellow House lawmakers to join the scheme. Aside from Rappler, broadcast news outlet Bilyonaryo News Channel has also aired shoe-leather reports on Gardiola, detailing his alleged lavish lifestyle and luxurious properties. The Anti-Money Laundering Council has reportedly frozen bank accounts associated with Gardiola. Gardiola has denied allegations of wrongdoing. “I was disheartened to hear my name mentioned on (sic) alleged irregularities in flood control projects,” Gardiola said in November last year. “These claims are untrue.” – Rappler.com