MANILA – Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero has approved the issuance of subpoenas to five contractors and three executives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to compel their attendance at the September 8 public hearing on irregularities in flood control projects across the country.

The move was based on the recommendation of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is leading the investigation.

Subpoenas ad testificandum were issued to Darcy Kimel D.J. Respicio, general manager of Darcy & Anna Builders and Trading; Sally N. Santos, owner/manager of SYMS Construction Trading; Pacifico F. Discaya II, authorized managing officer of Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corporation; Maritoni P. Melegrito, authorized managing officer of Elite General Contractor and Development Corporation; and Edgardo Saggum, owner/manager of Eddmari Construction and Trading.

The Senate also ordered the appearance of DPWH officials Engr. Jaypee D. Mendoza, chief of construction division, Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office; Engr. Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, former assistant district engineer of the same office; and Engr. Juanito C. Mendoza, accountant III.

Escudero likewise approved a subpoena duces tecum to Commission on Audit Chairman Gamaliel Cordoba for the submission of the fraud audit highlights on the DPWH flood control projects and the responses of concerned officials.

The Blue Ribbon Committee began its inquiry last Monday into flood control projects flagged as either substandard or non-existent, which have been blamed for massive flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, especially Bulacan.

Senate President Escudero stressed that the chamber will pursue accountability.

“No stone should be left unturned in the inquiry into these highly questionable flood control projects that cost taxpayers in billions of pesos and caused nightmares and sufferings for many Filipinos,” he said.

“Let the axe fall on all the personalities found guilty of scheming, conniving and carrying out fraudulent acts in the guise of legitimate taxpayer-funded flood control projects,” he added.