Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday warned of possible legal action against the Discaya-owned Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc. over the sloppy construction of the Philippine Film Heritage Building (PFHB) in Intramuros, Manila. Poor structural design and substandard work were exposed after Palace Press Officer Claire Castro inspected the PFHB.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro highlighted potential civil liabilities for the construction firm, emphasizing that if the company cannot provide a valid reason for the subpar work and failure to adhere to the contract, they could face charges. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-South Manila District Engineering Office had awarded the Phase 1 construction contract of the PFHB project on September 25, 2023, with a cost of PHP143,226,945. The second phase, slightly lower in cost at PHP107,983,128, aims for completion by September 4, 2025, including crucial installations like HVAC, elevator, and network infrastructure.

Castro expressed disappointment over the failure to meet the scheduled turnover of the PFHB due to unfinished work. She criticized Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc., one of the companies under the Discaya corporation, for issues such as water leakage, faulty elevators, and poor drainage designs. The site inspection also revealed that the cinematheque, intended to be an archive and exhibition venue for films, remained incomplete.

Highlighting the First Lady's advocacy for Filipino films, Castro lamented the situation, suggesting that the government felt deceived by the Discayas. Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc. is among nine companies owned by Cezarah "Sarah" Rowena and Pacifico 'Curlee' Discaya, whose licenses have been revoked by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board due to their involvement in questionable government projects.