Eight 'congtractors' face graft charges over floodgate

The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against several members of the House of Representatives for their alleged involvement in the “Cong-tractors” scheme, where lawmakers or their families own firms that bagged government infrastructure contracts.

In a joint referral to the Office of the Ombudsman on 26 November 2025, the ICI detailed 1,300 infrastructure projects awarded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2016 to 2024 to contractors linked to the legislators.

Named in the referral are:

Former Rep. Elizaldy S. Co – for FS Co. Builders Supply
Rep. Edwin Gardiola – for Newington Builders, Inc., Lourel Development Corporation, and S-Ang General Construction & Trading Inc.
Rep. James Ang Jr. – for IBC International Builders Corporation and Allencon Development Corporation
Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay – for JVN Construction and Trading
Rep. Augustina Pancho – for C.M. Pancho Construction Inc.
Rep. Joseph Lara – for JLL Pulsar Construction Corporation
Rep. Francisco Matugas – for Boometrix Development Corp.
Rep. Noel Rivera – for Tarlac 3-G Construction & Development Corporation

It cited Article VI, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution, which explicitly prohibits members of Congress from having any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any government contract, franchise, or special privilege during their term.

The officials are also suspected of violating the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the Anti-Graft & Corruption Act.

"These congressmen should not be engaging in private business activities that conflict with their official duties. They should not influence bids and awards," the ICI said in its referral.

The commission condemned the long-standing practice, stating, "Dapat mahinto na itong ‘kultura ng pangongontrata’ sa Kongreso (This culture of contracting in Congress must stop)."

"Public office is a privilege. It should not be used for personal gain or self-dealing," the statement concluded, warning that more names are expected to be implicated in the coming weeks as the investigation continues.