MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has moved to clean up the construction sector, filing formal complaints against eight contractors allegedly involved in irregular and overpriced flood control projects across the country — a sweeping crackdown that could lead to license suspensions and disqualifications.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said the complaints, lodged before the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board’s Monitoring and Enforcement Division (PCAB-MED), stem from findings that the firms violated construction laws under Executive Order No. 913 and other industry regulations.
“These actions send a clear message that only those who build with integrity have a place in the Philippine construction industry,” Roque said. “The DTI will not allow any contractor to undermine the safety and quality of our nation’s infrastructure. Every project must reflect competence, honesty, and compliance with standards.”
The eight firms now under formal complaint are Legacy Construction Corporation, Centerways Construction & Development Inc., Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp., MG Samidan Construction, L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc., QM Builders, EGB Construction Corporation, and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation.
All are among the 15 companies earlier flagged by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for cornering nearly 20 percent of the ₱545-billion worth of flood control projects, prompting suspicions of collusion and favoritism.
Under the DTI’s rules, the filing allows the department to impose preventive sanctions, including license suspensions, while the PCAB-MED conducts its investigation.
Roque added that another batch of eight contractors is being readied for similar complaints, including Triple 8 Construction & Supply Inc., Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., Sunwest Inc., Road Edge Trading & Development Services, SYMS Construction Trading, Wawao Builders Corp., Royal Crown Monarch Construction and Supplies Corp., and St. Timothy Construction Corp.
The DTI’s Fact-Finding Team continues to work with the newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to pursue cases against erring contractors and strengthen public trust in government infrastructure programs.
“This initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to enforce accountability and promote fair competition in the industry,” Roque said./PN
