In a major development in the flood control controversy, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has filed charges against several contractor-licensees allegedly involved in irregularities surrounding multi-billion-peso flood control projects.

In a statement, the DTI said it exercised its regulatory authority under Executive Order No. 913 (series of 1983) and other relevant trade and industry laws to initiate complaints against the contractors for possible violations of construction industry regulations.

According to the department, the move stems from findings linking several firms to anomalies in the awarding and implementation of flood control contracts — a scandal earlier disclosed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in August.

DTI identified eight of the top 15 contractors that collectively cornered 20% of the P545-billion flood control contracts under scrutiny. The firms charged are:

1. Legacy Construction Corporation

2. Centerways Construction & Development Inc.

3. Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp.

4. MG Samidan Construction

5. L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc.

6. QM Builders

7. EGB Construction Corporation

8. Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation

The number of contractors facing charges may increase, as the DTI confirmed that eight more companies are set to face similar complaints in connection with the same anomaly. These are:

1. Triple 8 Construction & Supply, Inc.

2. Topnotch Catalyst Builders, Inc.

3. Sunwest, Inc.

4. Road Edge Trading & Development Services

5. SYMS Construction Trading

6. Wawao Builders Corp.

7. Royal Crown Monarch Construction and Supplies Corporation

8. St. Timothy Construction Corp.

“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. These actions send a clear message that only those who build with integrity have a place in the Philippine construction industry,” said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

Roque added that the initiative forms part of an ongoing effort to ensure compliance, promote fair competition, and uphold President Marcos’ directive to strengthen transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects.

The DTI’s Fact-Finding Team is currently coordinating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to further investigate the case and ensure that due process, justice, and public trust are upheld.