Manila: The Senate has ordered the appearance of five government contractors and three Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials at the upcoming Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. This session will examine allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, the decision came after Committee Chairperson Sen. Rodante Marcoleta recommended the move. Senate President Francis Escudero approved the issuance of subpoenas ad testificandum for several individuals. The contractors summoned include Pacifico 'Curlee' Discaya II of Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor and Development Corporation; Darcy Kimel D.J. Respicio of Darcy and Anna Builders and Trading; Sally Santos of SYMS Construction Trading; Maritoni Melegrito of Elite General Contractor and Development Corporation; and Edgardo Saggum of Eddmari Construction and Trading. DPWH officials summoned are Engr. Jaypee Mendoza, Engr. Juanito C. Mendoza, and Engr. Brice Ericson Hernandez.

Curlee Discaya's involvement is notable as his companies and joint ventures reportedly secured PHP31 billion in flood control projects from 2022 to 2025. His wife, Cezarah Rowena Discaya, had previously testified before the committee.

The Senate has also instructed Commission on Audit (COA) Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba to present the agency's fraud audit highlights regarding DPWH flood control projects. This includes the respondents' reactions to the audit findings.

Senate President Escudero has emphasized accountability, stating, "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."

The Blue Ribbon Committee's next hearing is set for September 8. The committee aims to investigate alleged ghost and substandard projects within the government's flood control program, with concerns that billions of pesos in public funds may have been misused.