Wawao Builders owner Mark Allan Arevalo is in the hot seat as the probe into the anomalous flood control project continued on Monday, September 1.

Arevalo invoked his right against self-incrimination during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing after Senator Joel Villanueva and Senator Jinggoy Estrada pressed him on his construction firm’s alleged involvement in ghost projects.

Villanueva specifically questioned Arevalo about Wawao Builders’ projects in Bulacan and whether his firm had taken part in fraudulent or non-existent government contracts. Arevalo, however, declined to answer directly.

“Base sa record namin, meron kang 42 projects sa Bulacan. Meron kang 42 projects sa Bulacan. Yung bulk ng na-award na contract sa inyo ng DPWH, yung bulk nun nasa Bulacan. 42,” Estrada said.

“I invoke my right against self-incrimination. Sorry po, Your Honor.” Arevalo said.

“Kung magsasalita po ako, pwede po magamit laban sa akin.” he added

Senator Estrada has expressed his dismay over this attitude of Arevalo during the hearing.

“Alam mo nag-iisip na ako kung isa-cite in comtempt kita [Mark Arevallo] rito. huwag mo lang ako subukan please.” the senator said.

The committee is investigating alleged ghost projects funded under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), with several contractors reportedly under scrutiny. Lawmakers have warned that contractors found liable may face both criminal and administrative cases.