MANILA – Malacañang warned it may take legal action against Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc., owned by the Discaya family, after serious construction flaws marred the long-delayed Philippine Film Heritage Building (PFHB) in Intramuros.
During an inspection on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro revealed multiple defects in the P143.2-million project, including leaks, faulty elevator doors, and drainage problems, despite its scheduled turnover date.
“Kung mapapakita talaga natin, eto makikita naman natin, kung bakit nagka-ganito, kung wala silang valid reason, kung bakit hindi nila ito nai-turn over ng tama at naaayon sa kontrata, pwede silang makasuhan, unang-una, civil liability, meron ito,” Castro said.
The PFHB’s first phase was awarded in September 2023 by the Department of Public Works and Highways-South Manila District Engineering Office. A second phase worth P107.98 million, covering HVAC, elevators, generators, data systems, and fire safety, is slated for completion by September 2025.
But Castro noted the project remains unfinished, with several vital components still incomplete, including the cinematheque intended to house film archives and serve as an exhibition hub.
“Nakakadismaya. At ang building na ito, ang contractor nito ay ang Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc. Isa ito sa mga korporasyon ng mga Discaya,” Castro lamented.
She stressed the building’s cultural importance, pointing to First Lady Liza Marcos’ advocacy for Philippine cinema.
“Alam niyo naman, ang First Lady, ang puso niya, ang adbokasiya niya, para mapalago pa ang mga pelikulang Pilipino gawa ng mga Pilipino,” she added.
Expressing frustration, Castro said: “Mismong gobyerno pa talaga, ito pang mismong proyekto na ito ang parang niloko pa ng mga Discaya.”
Great Pacific Builders is among nine firms linked to contractor couple Cezarah “Sarah” Rowena and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya. All their companies have been stripped of licenses following allegations of irregularities in other government-funded projects, including flood control works./PN
