Marcoleta: Flood control contractor already out of PH

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta presides over the Senate blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into alleged anomalies in flood control projects at the Senate on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. — Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — One of the top 15 contractors involved in allegedly anomalous flood control projects in the Philippines is already out of the country, said Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on Wednesday.

Marcoleta — head of the chamber’s blue ribbon panel investigating allegedly corrupt flood control projects in the Philippines — disclosed the matter in an ambush interview, noting that it is not certain at present whether or not the individual left after being implicated in the flood control mess.

“I did not say that this individual left the country because of this. Someone is already out of the country; it may be because they went home. I did not say that they were hiding or that they fled. Because there is information that someone is looking for them whether or not they are present and it came out that they are already out of the country,” said Marcoleta.

Initially, Marcoleta said two contractors had left the country, but he immediately retracted his words, saying that “one already arrived” in the Philippines.

Asked if this contractor is among the top 15 firms earlier named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the senator answered: “I think so.” He, however, refused to identify the individual.

READ: Heads will roll in faulty flood control works, warns Marcos

Later, the senator explained that the contractor has appointed a representative to attend the chamber’s hearings, but stated that he is not certain whether this representative has the authority to answer on behalf of the firm.

Marcoleta said the panel observes procedure and would issue a show-cause order against the individual for repeated absence in the chamber’s proceedings.

“If this is not observed, we will issue a subpoena. If they don’t adhere to the subpoena, we will be forced to issue a warrant,” said Marcoleta.

READ: COA orders fraud audit into flood control projects in Bulacan

Meanwhile, in the same interview, the lawmaker said a number of “feelers” have already signified their intent to stand as witnesses against certain contractors, but Marcoleta said they are still verifying what would be the extent of their testimonies.

“We must determine what they would say. Would they name someone? Would they confess something? And then we’ll weigh in,” he said. /das