Contractor bares alleged ‘forcible use’ of license for ghost projects
Mark Allan Arevalo, General Manager of Wawao Builders at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged anomalous flood control projects at the Senate Session Hall in Pasay City on Monday, September 8, 2025. (INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines — Wawao Builders General Manager Mark Allan Arevalo on Monday claimed that his firm’s license was “forcibly used” for certain ghost flood control projects in the country.
Speaking before the Senate blue ribbon panel’s hearing on Monday, Sen. Erwin Tulfo asked Arevalo whether or not his firm is also involved in paying certain lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in exchange for government contracts.
Arevalo denied paying off officials, but instead confessed before the panel that their license was used against their will.
“Pero kanina sinabi mong sapilitan na ginagamit ang inyong lisensya. Sino ang gumagamit ng inyong lisensya (But earlier you said that your license was forcibly used. Who used your license?) asked Tulfo, to which Arevalo named an individual named Sally Santos.
Santos, according to Arevalo, is a connected with Syms Construction.
“How can you say that it was forcibly used? You’re agreed, right? I mean, were you not given a portion? Isn’t there what they call a license for hire that gives you 5 percent?,” asked Tulfo
Arevalo said he is not receiving any portion for the said scheme, but clarified he is only doing it out of fear.
At this point. Tulfo asked Arevalo if he’s not the one responsible for constructing projects since his license is only being lent to someone else.
“As far as I know, those who are behind this are insiders. That’s why we’re afraid,” said Arevalo.
Later, Arevalo tagged former DPWH District Engineer Brice Hernandez.
“Let us be clear here. Brice, is it true that Wawao’s license is being used for forced ghost projects? Remember, you’re under oath,” Tulfo said.
Hernandez did not confirm nor deny the allegations hurled against him, but he did say that “everything” he did was just “instructed” by his predecessor, Henry Alcantara.
“So Henry Alcantara is instructing you, does it include this, the act of getting licenses? Is that right?”
Asked which particular instruction he adhered to, Hernandez said accepting money from Syms Construction’s Sally Santos.
Hernandez claims he does not know how much money is being transported by Santos because it always comes in sealed boxes.
For her part, Santos clarified that she’s also a contractor and that she’s only doing what was instructed her out of fear.
“Why does it have to be you? Why can’t Brice directly access Wawao?” Tulfo asked.
“Because they say it’s me who can ask for it. They asked for my favor, of course I am also afraid. Because I also get projects from the DPWH. If I don’t obey them, then what would happen to me?” /gsg
