MANILA, Philippines ? The Department of Finance (DoF) has asked both the National Food Authority (NHA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a list of traders and contractors who participated in the rice importation and in the botched flood control project of the previous administration.

?Given the volume of importation that was done, we believe that there are substantial gains there that should be subjected to tax. The same is true with DPWH. We have also asked for a listing of contractors and we will be submitting this to the BIR for review,? Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said.

Aside from reviewing the ITR, Purisima said an examination of the official?s statement of assets and liabilities and networth (SALN) will also be examined as well as a corresponding lifestyle checks will be conducted,? Purisima said.

During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Benigno Aquino III revealed that NFA incurred a debt of P171.6 billion in the over-importation of rice in 2004 and 2007.

At the DPWH, on the other hand, Secretary Rogelio Singson said they have cancelled 19 flood control projects worth P934 million. The P934 million is part of the anomalous transactions involving 86 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded infrastructure rehabilitation projects worth P3.5-billion.

Meanwhile, Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Leila De Lima said she already asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to help investigate the anomalies at the DPWH and NFA.

While she said she cannot designate a full time prosecutor at the DPWH and NFA, the investigation will be supervised by one.