CULLED from the shocking expose of ghost flood control projects is the interesting revelation that…there is a lot of money in what remains unseen.
***
Excerpts from a closed-door meeting at an undisclosed house of Congressman Max Kawat:
CONG.: So, we are all here. Wala nang paligoy-ligoy. Let’s hear it.
DPWH: The proposed flood control project, Sir, will cover about one kilometer from Palapaw Street to Tinonto Boulevard. Completion period is 25 days. And as usual, we award the racket…I mean, project, to our favored Contractor, Cont Co.
CONT CO..: Yes, Cong., we have discussed the basic mechanics involved and it is profitable.
CONG.: Okay, how much is the actual cost involved? I mean…actual.
DPWH: In accordance with our plan, it would cost about P470,250.
CONG: Okay, tell me, how will you go about it?
DPWH: Yes, Sir. We need four laborers to dig up the side of the road where the culvert pipes are to be laid. So, at P500 per day each, we have a labor cost of P50,000 for 25 days; then, sand and gravel and cement will cost about P370,000; media and kumain…commentators, another P50,000, and P250 for the tarpaulin signboard “THIS IS WHERE YOUR TAXES GO”, for a total actual outlay of P470,250.
CONG.: Cont Co., have you checked on these figures?
CONT CO.: Yes, Cong. I can do it. We have the four men dig the side of the road for about five meters and display five culvert pipes, which I will borrow, from another Cont. We display it for two to three days for public consumption and then cover and cement it at night; then dig another five meters and so on, for 25 days. We will be protected because the excavation and digging will be done during the day and after a few days we cover it with sand and gravel and cement it at night, The P370,000 should cover the cost of the sand and gravel and cement. The P50,000 we shall apportion to our paid broadcasters and media people who report the flood control project. The 250,00 is for the tarpaulin signboard “THIS IS WHERE YOUR TAXES GO” and that about covers it.
CONG.: This okay with DPWH?
DPWH: Basically, yes, Sir.
CONG: Now, the important question, which involves us…is how much shall I insert in the budget for this blood…I mean, flood control project? And who else will share in the racket…project?
DPWH: Well, Sir. There is the RDO; RDE and District Engineer to consider and Cont Co. must have his profit also secured. The COA also, LGU concerned; PNP and barangay captain of the areas affected.
CONG.: I will propose the insertion of P100,470,250 in the budget. I want P50 million as my share, 20% split by the Speaker and DBM.
DPWH: 20% for me; RDE and DE?
CONT CO.: That would leave 10% for me? I have to take care of the PNP, LGU, COA and barangay officials? Let us review the amounts so we won’t have any losses.
CONG.: You finish your computation there. We meet again next week; and you better get this thing done, otherwise, there will be a new contractor for the racket…I mean…project.
And so the meeting ended, with the promise of another proud and shining achievement in the annals of nation-building./PN
