Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan said on Monday that the contractors found to be involved in anomalous flood control projects may face possible charges.
In an interview on Damdaming Bayan, Bonoan was asked about St. Timothy Construction Corporation, a contractor reportedly using multiple names for various projects and currently under fire for alleged “ghost” and substandard projects. He assured the public that the DPWH will investigate the matter.
“Kami naman, pag nag-pre-qualify kami, titingnan lang namin kung hindi siya naka-blacklist o kaya meron siyang license na active. Kung meron siyang technical capability at saka may financial capability din. So ‘yun lang naman ang pagbabasihan namin. Kung may active siya na license, then that means he can participate. Gano’n ‘yan eh,” Bonoan explained.
The DPWH chief emphasized that contractors must prove both technical and financial capability during pre-qualification. He added that after consolidating reports, the department will scrutinize all documents, and those found liable for anomalous projects will face charges.
“I-scrutinize lahat ng documents and we will set up documentation. Eventually, kung magkakaso kami sa mga taong involved kung meron kaming makikitang katiwalian,” Bonoan said.
In recall, records also showed that the owners of St. Timothy Construction Corp. secured ₱12.3 billion worth of contracts from the DPWH between July 2016 and December 2017, during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, making them one of the agency’s top contractors at the time.
Meanwhile, when asked if he supports calls for a lifestyle check on DPWH officials amid speculation that some receive direct directives from higher-ups, Bonoan said he is open to the move, stressing that it is necessary to ensure accountability.
