Senate Committee Orders Arrest of DPWH Contractors for Skipping Flood Control Probe

The Senate blue ribbon committee on Monday mandated the apprehension of two contractors associated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) after they failed to attend hearings regarding allegedly irregular flood control projects.

The individuals cited for contempt were Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Eumir Villanueva of Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.

During the hearing, Senator Erwin Tulfo stated, "I move to issue a warrant of arrest for these people who refuse to attend despite the fact that we've already sent them a subpoena."

Committee chair Senator Rodante Marcoleta expressed frustration, saying, "Some are deliberately refusing to come... We want to accommodate you so we can truly determine who is accountable for the massive damage caused by the floods since the projects were not completed as they should have been."

Rimando and Villanueva were among those who failed to show up at the committee's initial hearing held on August 11. The committee continues to investigate the alleged irregularities surrounding flood control initiatives under the DPWH.